Geopolitical Analysis: A Book Review on Russia, US, and China Ties

This essay presents a book review analyzing the geopolitical dynamics between Russia, the United States, and China. It examines how Russia navigates the complex relationship between the US and China, particularly focusing on economic and ideological power shifts. The review considers the emergence of China as a significant global power and its impact on the US hegemony. It further explores the strategic partnership between Russia and China, driven by shared interests and a counter-stance against US dominance. The review also critiques the book's limitations, such as overlooking the role of technology and US intelligence. Ultimately, the review highlights the evolving nature of diplomacy and the emergence of new alliances in the global landscape. Access more solved assignments and study resources on Desklib.

Russia
Facing West or East

Geopolitics
 Woodward considers geopolitics from an economic point of view. Focusing on the
relationship between China and the US, the book discusses the challenge of
hegemonies created in the world ( Woodward, 2017).
 Over the past centuries, the US stood as a global power showcasing strengths in
security, military, intelligence and trade. However, its fading glory seems threatened
by the emergence of countries like Russia and China( Adelman, 2017).
 Political ideologies also enhanced the US power and might giving it recognition as the
leading democracy and a role model for many nations globally. This is changing
because the world looks at alternative sources of power and strength ( Baron, 2018).

China’s superpower
 Although the US was popular for military might, China continues to prove stronger in
Economic and Ideological power. Woodward brings this out by describing the existent
cold war in the Sino American relationship.
 China has numerous bilateral trade relations the US. However, the book is an eye-
opener on hidden truths. The post war relations reflect on the US as a diminishing
power and its attempt to reassert its position.
 Wooward’s book highlights the emergence of a new friendship bond between Russia
and China. This new ally seems to take advantage of the cold war between the two
partners to its advantage.

Russia’s Role
 According to Woodward, the hostile relationship between Russia and the US is a plus
for China. Russia’s interest in he trading partnership between Washington and Beijin is
opportunistic. In his opinion, China is not out to replace the US as a superpower but to
stand out as equally strong .
 China is a leader in trade and has strong partnerships with Russia. Bothe countries
share notions about critical issues such as energy and climate change. This unique
partnership is business oriented and may not have an ideological basis.

Critique
 Although Woodward points out to the reality of China’s strengths, he fails to
acknowledge the role of technology and US intelligence. This is one of the critical
strengths that Russia also has.
 The Guardian reports that Beijing and Russia form a powerful union ( Rice-Oxley,
Walker, Luhn, and Graham-Harrison)
 Both China and Russia are against the US supremacy in world affairs. This mutual
interest is reason for collaboration. The US also has string allies in the EU which can
not be ignored. Most of these ‘friends’ are anti-Russia.
 This new model of diplomacy in geopolitics awakens the globe of an emerging new
axis of countries with different ideologies but similar interests.

New dimension in Geo Politics
 In the new dimension analysis of complex relations, the US has trade partnership with
its ‘enemy’. The book places China at the center of the quagmire with China standing
as a threat, and opportunity. As a source of conflict, it threatens to tear away the East
from the West because of Russia’s involvement.
 This is new global strategy shaping hegemonic relationships. Attempts by the US to
challenge this position have seen the emergence of new alliances with other countries
such as Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam and India.

Diplomacy under threat
 Diplomacy in international relations is no longer cooperation for economic and political
gains. Woodward brings out the role of conflict in modern geopolitics.
 This is evident in the Sino American and Russia verses China affairs. These are
countries seeking to defend, affirm and reaffirm their positions. As a result, there is no
real superpower.
 The emergence of numeral superior states is threatening because each seems to find
an opportunity to show case its might. Asia's emerging economies are at the
centerstage.

References
 Adelman, J; 2017. The United States will remain he worlds only superpower for decades to
come. The huffpost. Available at: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-united-states-will-
remain-the-worlds-only-superpower_us_58ebba1ee4b081da6ad0064f
 Barron, A. 2018. These renewable superpowers control the future of energy. World Economic
Forum, Available at: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/02/meet-the-new-renewable-
superpowers-nations-that-boss-the-materials-used-for-wind-and-solar
 Hogstrom, J. 2013. does the choice of democracy measure matter? Comparisons between the
two leading democracy indices, freedom house and polity IV. Government and opposition.
Available at: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/government-and-opposition/article/does-
the-choice-of-democracy-measure-matter-comparisons-between-the-two-leading-democracy-
indices-freedom-house-and-polity-iv/DB07F0A22302905418D0C8AC3D731914
 Rice-Oxley,M; Walker, S; Luhn, A; and Graham-Harrison, E; 2015. China and Russia: The
world’s new superpower axis? The guardian, Available at:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/07/china-russia-superpower-axis
 Woodward, , J; 2017. The US vs China: Asia's New cold War ( Geopolitical Economy)