Competing with Revisionist Powers: The American Strategy for China and Russia
The 21st-century landscape of international relations is markedly different from the bipolar world that followed World War II or the unipolar world after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Today, as we inch closer to the middle of the 21st century, a nuanced challenge is emerging: dealing with revisionist powers. These are countries intent on reshaping the international order, with China and Russia standing at the forefront. The United States, as a principal architect of the current global order, is now tasked with addressing the rise of these powers.
Understanding Revisionist Powers
Revisionist powers, primarily China and Russia, are not just another set of nations with interests counter to the United States. They represent a deeper challenge. They’re driven by a desire to alter the rules and norms that have governed international affairs for decades. Their aspirations are layered: at once motivated by historical grievances, territorial ambitions, economic objectives, and a desire to disseminate their own model of governance.
China, with its meteoric economic rise, sophisticated technological prowess, and burgeoning military capabilities, presents a comprehensive challenge. The Belt and Road Initiative, technological forays into 5G through companies like Huawei, and territorial claims in the South China Sea signify Beijing’s ambitions.
On the other hand, Russia. Moscow’s actions in Crimea, its interference in various elections, and its involvement in Syria are all hallmarks of a country keen on reclaiming its Cold War-era sphere of influence.
America’s Dual-Track Strategy: Competition and Cooperation
In its strategy to deal with these revisionist powers, the United States has embarked on a dual-track approach. This entails:
1. Competition: The intent here is clear. The U.S. is determined to ensure that the international order it largely helped create is not unilaterally rewritten. This involves leveraging its intrinsic strengths across a spectrum of areas, from diplomacy to the military. Special emphasis is being laid on:
— Strengthening military capabilities with a focus on newer domains such as cyber, space, and hypersonic weapons.
— Bolstering economic partnerships and positioning the U.S. as an indispensable trade partner.
— Engaging in the technological race, particularly in areas that dictate the future, such as AI and 5G.
At the same time, recognizing the power of collective action, the U.S. has been keen to build coalitions. The idea is to form a formidable bloc of nations that can counterbalance the assertiveness of China and Russia.
2. Cooperation: Paradoxical as it may seem, cooperation is a pivotal element of the U.S. strategy. This is grounded in pragmatism. The world today confronts a host of shared challenges, from pandemics and climate change to terrorism. The U.S. realizes that no matter the broader strategic rivalry, there are areas where cooperation with China and Russia is not just beneficial, but essential.
The Strategic Roadmaps: NDS, NPR, and MDR
Three documents released in 2022 under the Biden administration offer deep insights into the U.S.’s strategic thinking concerning China and Russia.
- The National Defense Strategy (NDS) pinpoints China as the pacing challenge and Russia as an acute threat. While both designations imply heightened alertness, they also subtly indicate the nuances with which the U.S. views the two nations.
- The Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) sheds light on the U.S.’s nuclear strategy. With both China and Russia ramping up their nuclear arsenals, this document underscores the imperative of the U.S. maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent.
- The Missile Defense Review (MDR) addresses the proliferating missile threats, especially considering the advancements by China and Russia in hypersonic technology. It charts the course for enhanced missile defense, both for the U.S. and its allies.
Navigating a Complex Landscape
America’s strategy towards China and Russia is emblematic of the larger shifts in global geopolitics. It’s a dance of pragmatism and principles. While competition is intense, there’s an understanding that a zero-sum game isn’t desirable.
Moreover, the strategy also recognizes that the world is interconnected. Economic, technological, and even environmental challenges tie nations together, often in ways that transcend political or strategic rivalries.
There are inevitable risks. Balancing competition with cooperation, ensuring allies are on board, and staying ahead in the technological race are all formidable challenges. Yet, they are necessary for the U.S. to navigate the waters of the 21st century successfully.
In conclusion, as the global order evolves, the U.S.’s approach to revisionist powers will be keenly watched. The stakes are high, and the outcomes will shape the contours of global geopolitics for decades. Whether through competition or cooperation, the endgame for the U.S. remains a world that’s free, open, prosperous, and secure.
So, as we observe the unfolding dynamics, one might ponder: will competition and cooperation coexist? Or will one overshadow the other?
