The Rise of the ‘Axis of the Aggrieved’

The emergence of a new counterbloc to U.S. domination is a development that has worried every president since the fall of the Soviet Union. Under the guise of seeking more equality in the political system, countries like Russia, China, and Iran are all growing closer diplomatic relations in an attempt to found a united anti-western alliance, most recently labeled as the Axis of the Aggrieved.

Dawn of the Dragon

The emergence of a new Axis of the Aggrieved and China's increasing proximity to Russia are two notable recent developments that have changed the geopolitical landscape. These two countries, each of which is a major power in their own right, have come together to oppose the current, Western-dominated world system. China has supported this new foreign policy through its economic and military cooperation with countries like Russia.

Due to increased trade, infrastructure projects, and energy cooperation, China and Russia's economic connections have significantly deepened. They are less dependent on Western markets as a result of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the "Power of Siberia" gas pipeline, which have strengthened their economic interdependence.

The military cooperation and technological exchange between the two nations have improved their defense capabilities. Their dedication to fending off perceived dangers, such as NATO expansion and American military involvement in the Asia-Pacific area, has been reinforced by this collaboration.

The Wounded Bear

With the Russo-Ukrainian War placed in a seemingly never-ending stalemate, Russia has sought out new allies to support itself in its mission to conquer Ukraine. These alliances have mainly been with Iran and China.

One of the few countries to vote to abstain from condemning Russia for its war in Ukraine, Iran has been seen as one of the Kremlin’s top allies. Iranian drones have been seen as a key force in the war and are causing it to be prolonged far longer than thought possible.

In response to the aid needed to expand their military operations in Eastern Europe, Russia has responded to Iran by supplying them with potentially nuclear resources. One of the most pressing geopolitical developments of the past 50 years has been that of the Iranian Nuclear Program. If Russia continues to try and rebuild the image of a nuclear Iran then Western interests in the region will be in serious trouble.

A Nuclear Iran

Since the Iranian hostage crisis US-Iranian relations have been strained. Seen as a formidable adversary to the United States’ key ally of Israel, Iran has served a critical role in subverting US interests in the Middle East. This has only expanded since they entered an informal partnership with the Russians and Chinese.

The most worrying emergence is the potential for Iran to develop nuclear weapons. Iran having nuclear weapons might jeopardize world security and stability. To reduce the likelihood of nuclear conflict, the international community is dedicated to stopping the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

This would also embolden Iran’s regional ambitions against their Kurdish minorities and Sunni Muslims across the region. This would also trigger a nuclear arms race throughout the Middle East. This could allow for unstable regimes to possess nuclear arms and allow for more nuclear superpowers to emerge.

What does this mean for the United States?

The rise of the so-called "Axis of the Aggrieved," made up of Iran, China, and Russia, represents a serious threat to American global domination. This alliance, which is motivated by common grudges against the Western-led international order as well as economic and military cooperation, has geopolitical ramifications. It undermines American influence, imperils regional peace, and fuels worries about a hypothetical nuclear-armed Iran. International dynamics are further complicated by Russia's assistance for Iran's military capabilities and China and Russia's expanding economic connections. In order to navigate the changing global terrain and defend its interests, the United States will need to review its foreign policy plans and alliances.