Is a Russia-China Alliance at the Will of U.S. Foreign Policy?
Abstract
A Russia-China military alliance would have profound implications for U.S. policy. Lack of framework tools to analyze alliances tends to fixate academic analysis on particular indicators or factors rather than consider the entire complex system of the Russia-China partnership. Jeremy Ghez recognized this gap within NATO and established a taxonomy framework that establishes a more holistic understanding of alliance theory. This thesis overlays Ghez's framework on the Russia-China relationship and establishes that they are in a non-formal alliance, which could rapidly formalize if it was in the interests of both states. Furthermore, the complexity of factors that feed into a Russia-China alliance prevents assurance that any realistic changes in U.S. policy could alter the feasibility of it occurring. The only route forward for the U.S, if it is to maintain the initiative within great power competition, is to accept it could occur. Only by acceptance can the U.S. begin to address the challenge of a Russia-China alliance across the full spectrum of the competition continuum.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 28, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1153997
Entities
People
- Christopher J. Phillips
Organizations
- National Defense University