In the grand theater of geopolitics, this week’s face-off in Beijing could be mistaken for a gathering of the who’s who of authoritarianism. Kim Jong Un is stepping into China for the first time in over half a decade, surely to add his charismatic personality and chuckle to the proceedings of China’s military parade. Nothing says commemorative like a conglomeration of strongmen shaking hands and swapping notes over world affairs. China’s President Xi, Russia’s President Putin, and the North Korean leader will be among the 26 foreign dignitaries attending. One can only imagine the riveting conversations they’ll have, perhaps discussing the best parade float design or the perks of ruling with an iron fist.
While this meeting has all the hallmarks of a high school reunion for dictators, there’s more at play here. Observers have their eyes on Russia and China’s cozy relationship, which appears to be warming faster than yesterday’s leftovers. This new camaraderie has raised eyebrows, especially with the addition of North Korea and Iran into their little club. It’s like they’re forming the world’s most unwelcome neighborhood watch group. The U.S., having had the distinct advantage of a robust network of allies for decades, is now finding this axis of authoritarianism a growing concern.
Some suggest the cause of this newfound chummery might be external forces, like maybe the U.S.’s own diplomatic tango in Europe or its support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Perhaps if the U.S. hadn’t played babysitter to every global skirmish, there wouldn’t be so much demand for authoritarian support groups. This relationship is shallow compared to the deep-rooted alliances the U.S. has nurtured since the end of World War II. But let’s be honest, after all the fireworks and marching bands have packed up, maintaining this buddy-buddy status might be as feasible as starting a diet after smelling bacon.
Meanwhile, back in the Americas, there’s a brewing storm of naval power as the U.S. sends more ships near Venezuela. This sizable presence marks the largest show of naval force in this region for decades. One might call it a renewed interpretation of the Monroe Doctrine, reclaiming a focus on America’s own backyard. What could be more comforting than a few naval destroyers parked off the coast of your favorite narco-dictator, though one wonders if Maduro feels as enthusiastic about the spectacle.
The U.S. presence aims to disrupt illegal activities, sending a clear message towards the Venezuelan regime. With ghost ships supposedly shipping oil off to China, Maduro’s initiatives seem as transparent as a brick wall. He’s mobilizing millions of militia members as a counter, but one might speculate it’s more about saving face than actually preparing for a Hollywood-style invasion. If anything, this display may tie up enough of Maduro’s resources, allowing opposition forces a sliver of hope to make some political headway. In the end, the U.S. continues to play a strategic game of chess on an international board fraught with complexity and challenge. The smart money’s on who can keep calm while maneuvering through this geopolitical dance.
