WITH the disintegration of the (former) Soviet Union in 1991, the Cold War ended but the world became much more complicated after it. A new debate started among states all around the world i.e., how to respond to a multipolar world that is rapidly emerging from the ashes of the unipolar world. Let us have some discussion on the heightened tension and strategic competition among the major powers and explores the complex relationships, conflicts and power struggles between the United States, China and Russia, focusing on events that have occurred in this transitioning world including the Ukraine war.
Understanding the emergence of a new World Order and the birth of a new Cold War where not only the US and Russia are main players of the chessboard of international politics but China is also present in this new great game of superpowers. We saw that after the Kosovo War and subsequent events like NATO’s expansion towards the Eastern Europe, the world entered into a new Cold War in early 2000s which emphasizes the escalating conflicts and tension in international relations and that the developments China and the partial recovery of Russia have sparked the US hatred and containment strategies typical of the first Cold War.
The strategic triad of the US, China and Russia outlines how the US has strengthened its political and military influence in Eastern Europe and the Pacific because of insecurities from the other two superpowers which is rising tension among the great game of power giants. It is believed that the US alone spends nearly 60 percent of the total spent by the Atlantic Alliance, and a third of the entire world’s defence budget”. Despite a brief budget reduction following the final withdrawal of the US soldiers from war countries, that statement from 1997 is still valid today.
Talking about the military spending of the US, China and Russia these remain significant. The expansion of NATO towards the Russian boarders was seen as a security threat for Moscow that is why to teach the NATO that Russia can take harsh actions President Putin put USA at their place by invading Ukraine. Meanwhile the transition by the rise of China is like that as the USA faces difficulties in its military development in Asia, it highlights tension between the USA and China over Taiwan and the South China Sea. China has actively promoted the peaceful application of technology and resources. The country has made investment in renewable energy projects as well as programs for economic growth such as the One Belt One Road Initiative.
The country has participated in international collaboration for space exploration and satellite technologies, promoting global scientific progress. China has also mediated the Saudi Arabia and Iran deal which was a big win for the country’s role as a global mediator. Furthermore, China promotes initiatives for cultural exchange and educational programs that promote international understanding and harmony. China is actively trying to mediate peace in the Russia-Ukraine War but the USA is afraid of China’s influence that is why the USA is trying to push China out of this war.
In conclusion, the relationships and conflicts between the US, China and Russia emphasize the emergence of a new Cold War triggered by events like the Ukraine War and rising tension of Taiwan. With comprehensive analysis and insightful observations, the role of military spending, NATO expansion, war in Ukraine and rising tension in South China Sea are shaping the new global order and ultimately the start of a new Cold War.
—The writer is associated with Suffa University, Karachi.
Email: [email protected]
views expressed are writer’s own.
