Will the new "axis of evil" shorten the West's hand in Asia?
Author: Dzhambolat Sardalov, an expert on geopolitics, religion, and terrorism (Chechnya), especially for Sangar
Using Western terminology, such an axis can be called the emerging anti-Western front of states that do not agree with the agenda of neocolonialism. Asia, for the most part, along with other continents, is tired of the “big brother” in the face of the West. The history lessons given to her by Europe, colonial wars, and dictatorship have not been forgotten.
In light of the latest tectonic changes in the world, Russia’s turn to Asia quite clearly reflects the national interests of both it and the Asian region. And Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow, Shoigu’s visit to the DPRK, Kim Jong Un’s visit to the Russian Far East indicate a stable vector of active development of relations, moreover, long ago required to be strengthened and developed for future generations. Asia in this vein knows how to wait. And it is clear that the same North Korea, after Russia’s unfriendly steps towards it (participation in the sanctions war against it), did not succumb to momentary political passions and did not seek to destroy relations with its northern neighbor. A neighbor who, during the years of so-called democratization, famously destroyed all ties with Asia. And, of course, to the hooting of the West, which applauded the new leadership of Russia in the 90s for leaving their former friends and allies. Things got to the point where there was a process of distancing from the former Soviet republics of Central Asia. But Asia was waiting for its time, and it came...
It is obvious that the West is forced to contemplate the formation of not only an economic but also a military-political bloc. The Russia-China-DPRK triad has already been dubbed the new “Axis of Evil” in the West. Unfortunately, the West has not been able to move away from the clichés of the period of its confrontation with the socialist bloc. And this is caused by the very spirit of his politics, saturated with cosmopolitanism and dogmatism. The strengthened “Asian dragons” no longer want to follow his teachings. They have grown up and demand their own, they are eager to express themselves.
The West is sick with gigantism, and its desire to teach everyone “in its own image and likeness” causes rejection among the former colonies. The same China is the future world economic leader, Russia is a military superpower with enormous economic potential, and the DPRK is a striking force capable of bringing the West to its senses in the East Asian region.
The summit meeting of the above states once again demonstrates the high economic and military-political resources of the territory on which they are located. Russia, knocking on the doors of the West, only lost strength, time, and prestige. Time, of course, cannot be restored, but strength and prestige can be restored. There are all the prerequisites that the new “Axis” will only get stronger. And the West’s ability to slow it down will depend on the price it is willing to pay. This is both a question of economics and war. It is unlikely that it will be enough for “two fronts”... Even taking into account its expansion by admitting new members to the same NATO: the peoples of Europe are not as motivated to die for their idea of democracy and freedom as Asians are for their ideas of freedom and sovereignty.
Russia has received a unique chance to build a system on a long-term basis. Asia is more accustomed to stability and adequacy, despite the nature of rapid economic growth. And on top of everything else, this differs from the West, which often becomes a source of instability and turbulence in the historical process. If the PRC can be a good economic base, then the DPRK is a barrier to Japan and South Korea.
The Russian Far East has become a launching pad for improving relations with the DPRK and deepening military-technical cooperation with it and with the PRC. The Koreans have something to provide to the Russians, and the Chinese have a way to turn it all into a mutually beneficial deal. Why not allow North Korean comrades with weapons into Russia in exchange for the technology that North Korea desperately needs? Fortunately, the experience of interaction back in Soviet times was very extensive. Russia will not be disturbed by the descendants of those whose ancestors, side by side, (to a greater extent from the help of the USSR), defended their Motherland. It is appropriate to say here that historical debt is beautiful in its repayment. Moreover, in the conditions of the aggressive policy of the West, this is already a question of the existence of statehood as such.