Part 7/9:
Another intriguing point in the conversation is the rising cooperation among autocratic regimes—specifically Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Rather than being viewed as a formal alliance akin to NATO, these relationships are increasingly evident as tactical partnerships driven primarily by mutual benefits and challenges posed by the U.S.-led international order.
Brand acknowledges that while these countries may have conflicting interests, their alignment against a common adversary fosters a strategic shift that must be factored into U.S. policy. For instance, China’s critical economic support has proven essential for Russia's ability to sustain its war efforts in Ukraine, demonstrating that the bonds among these regimes, although transactional, are significant and impactful.