Whether you’re looking to start a new business or you just want to learn more about the United States, it’s important to understand our allies and enemies. There are many important people around the world that you may not know much about, such as China and Russia. Having a clear understanding of what these countries are all about will help you in making important business decisions.
North Korea
During the past few years, North Korea has shown a remarkable ability to carry out record breaking weapons tests. Its latest was a test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) like weapon.
The United States has imposed a wide variety of sanctions on North Korea. Many are designed to impede Pyongyang’s ability to develop nuclear weapons. These measures include unilateral sanctions, financial penalties, and restrictions on North Korean workers.
The United States has attempted to negotiate the end of North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile development. However, these efforts have been unsuccessful. The United States has also worked closely with allies in the region. This includes North Korea’s primary trading partner, China. However, there are differences in how each country views North Korea. The United States and China have clashed over the country’s recent missile test.
Some critics argue that the United States should have a larger role in limiting North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. However, the Trump administration has identified China as a rival to the US in a variety of policy areas.
While China has shown an unwavering determination to impede North Korea’s nuclear development, it has also resisted regime-threatening pressure. This includes requesting advance notice of any potential military action against North Korea.
North Korea has carried out a number of record breaking weapons tests this year. Some observers suggest that the regime has mastered key technologies, while others are skeptical. Regardless of whether or not North Korea has the capability to develop a nuclear weapon, its leadership has proven willing to take risks with their domestic constituency.
The United States and South Korea have warned that use of nuclear weapons would end the Kim regime. However, these warnings have not stopped Kim’s determination to continue his nuclear program. In fact, Kim has shown a remarkable ability to carry out nuclear and missile tests in violation of international norms and agreements.
The United States has attempted to implement several policies to address North Korea’s proliferation problem. These include export controls, financial penalties, and imposing sanctions on North Korean workers and industries.
Iran
Despite the United States’ recent actions in Syria, Iran remains on the list of us allies and enemies. This is because Iran’s military has continued to engage in war against the United States.
Iran’s military has used proxies abroad to conduct war against the United States. These include Lebanese Hizbullah, a Lebanese Shia Muslim group. The group has fought alongside Iran in Syria and Lebanon. They are also involved in terror attacks against the U.S., Latin America, and Africa.
Iran has also provided weapons and training to Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist group. Israel has accused Iran of arming the group with advanced weaponry. It has also provided weapons to fuel regional insurgencies.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps is an expeditionary force that provides support for Iran throughout the Middle East. The IRGC has developed naval and coastal defense, and anti-ship cruise missiles. The IRGC also supports proxies abroad, such as Hizbullah.
Iran has also been supplying weapons to support the Houthi revolt in Yemen. These weapons have led to a number of casualties in the Western alliance. The United States has also accused Iran of training Russian drone operators in Crimea. It also plans to send more drones to Russia.
Iran’s violent anti-American doctrine remains at the heart of its foreign policy. It is designed to attack the United States while denying its actions. The United States’ recent actions in Syria are expected to lead to more Iranian attacks against American troops. This tactic serves a tactical goal and may be used as a retaliation against a covert campaign to deter Iran’s nuclear program.
Russia and Iran share a predilection for official lies and brutal repression of their own citizens. They also share a strong anti-Western worldview. They share a desire to use violence to achieve regional goals. They also share a fervent commitment to conspiracy theories.
Iran’s leaders hope to use its weapon sales for desperately needed revenue. They want to exploit the sanctions to get their arms sales through. But they do not have a security guarantor.
Russia
During the past two decades, trade between Russia and China has grown from just a few billion dollars to over $147 billion a year, making them the world’s 14th and fifth largest trading partners, respectively. However, China and Russia have different economic and security interests in Central Asia. They also have different narratives to support.
While China has taken a hard line against Russia, Russia has reacted to Western sanctions with renewed interest in China. As part of the Moscow-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Russia and China have worked to improve security in Central Asia. However, the two countries have yet to sign a bilateral nuclear arms treaty.
Russia has become increasingly reliant on Chinese companies for critical infrastructure investment. Russia’s economic growth will be constrained by Western sanctions. Its dependence on China has created concerns in Moscow.
Russia’s annexation of Crimea greatly accelerated China-Russia cooperation. The two countries signed more than two dozen bilateral agreements. They also agreed to boost annual trade by 50 percent by 2024. The two leaders reportedly planned to build a cross-border gas pipeline. The Chinese are also reportedly considering buying antiaircraft missiles from Russia.
The joint military exercises between China and Russia have been on the rise since the first drill in 2003. Some experts argue that these exercises have improved interoperability and boosted mutual trust.
Although the Russian invasion of Ukraine may be over, the war between the two countries will continue on multiple fronts. Besides military threats, Russia’s invasion could also provoke a great power proxy war. A twilight struggle between the two powers is in store.
One of the most significant aspects of the Putin-Russia invasion of Ukraine is its effects on Europe and the U.S. Although some Western governments are hitting Russia with new sanctions, other allies are more than willing to help protect a friend in need.
A number of key non-Western middle powers are also acting as swing states. Turkey, Mexico, South Africa and the Gulf States are just three examples.
Russia and Iran are also active opponents of the U.S., and they have a shared interest in restraining the United States’ power in the Middle East. The Russian and Iranian economies are not as big as China’s, but they are both large enough to cause concern.
China
Almost four years have passed since US President Joe Biden took office. Biden was a staunch opponent of China’s behavior, but he also emphasized his commitment to the U.S.’s economic, political, and technological interests. The Trump administration has also identified China as a threat in a wide range of policy areas.
According to a recent US trade report, the United States will continue to implement policies to increase its competitiveness with China. The report also indicated that the United States would renew its engagement with allies, while addressing shared challenges. But it did not specify what policies would be put in place for trade with China.
As part of its response to China, the US government is maintaining a blacklist, designed to steer investors and companies away from the country. The list includes 33 Chinese entities, most of which are high-tech manufacturers and government research labs.
The United States also announced sanctions against four Chinese officials, limiting their ability to enter the country. Four Chinese companies were also sanctioned, as were five Chinese companies alleged to have ties to China’s military. China’s embassy in Washington expressed “strong concern” about these sanctions.
While the US has a plethora of relationships with leading Asian democracies, there are also significant fissures in the alliance network. In recent years, China has seized upon these divides to increase its influence. The US and its allies should work together to build deeper interoperability, pool their respective innovation advantages, and strengthen their defense of their regions.
The US and China have agreed in principle to hold a virtual meeting by the end of 2021. This meeting will bring the two leaders together to address shared challenges and discuss a range of policy issues. However, it is not clear how the two countries will address the task of deterring Chinese coercion as a multilateral task.
In an attempt to better understand China’s plans to dominate key technology sectors, US officials have requested that academics and business leaders learn more about the Chinese government’s intentions. The United States also hopes to engage in new multilateral forums, while encouraging other countries to increase their competitiveness with China.
