Sun Tzu Quote
“It is according to the shape that I lay the plan for victory, but the multitude does not comprehend this. Although everyone can see the outward aspects, none understands the way in which I have created victory”.
The Battle.
By the conclusion of World War II the United Kingdom as a global superpower was in decline and the void was filled by two nations with very different political ideologies the United States and the Soviet Union. The tension between the two nations had escalated throughout the war and, with the collapse of Nazi Germany relations quickly became polarized. Pre-war governments were re-established or new democratic governments were created by the Western powers; while in the areas occupied by Soviet troops, including the territories of former allies such as Poland, communist satellite states were created.
Within a few years following World War II, Europe became divided along ideological lines and the iron curtain went up. The cold war had begun, and two blocks emerged: NATO and the Warsaw Pact. In the decades that followed, two trading Blocks grounded in sharply contrasted ideologies, emerged.
At times, the underlying reasons for emerging trade blocks seemed obtuse, and at other times the reasons appear very transparent as to the long-term national interest to be served.
Comments.
United States and the Soviet Union by fostering trading blocs following World War 11 (economic ‘silks’) established their global super power status as sovereign states in return accept their respective leadership of the espoused political ideology. The national interest of both were well served. For example the USA dollar was adopted as the global currency with all the advantages that attach to such status.
Watch today Chinas initiatives – The Belt and Road Initiative – “a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013 to invest in nearly 70 countries and international organizations”.
The second Chinese initiative:” The String of Pearls is a geopolitical theory on potential Chinese government intentions in the Indian Ocean region (IOR). It refers to the network of Chinese military and commercial facilities and relationships along its sea lines of communication, which extend from the Chinese mainland to Port Sudan in the Horn of Africa”.
On its face– economic… but with-the money/loans comes increasing control and the spread of the Chines culture and ideology along both routes. Push back has started.
The Third — The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), also known as the Shanghai Pact, is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance. It is the world’s largest regional organisation in geographic scope and population, covering three-fifths of the Eurasian continent, 40% of the world population. (Wikipedia)
Increasingly becoming another ‘Iron / Bamboo Curtin’ for military collaboration among its members. Could rival NATO.
Few have heard about it !
8 member states
4 observer states
6 dialogue partners
We all should have anxious foresight as pieces are moved on the Grand Chessboard. (One of the major works of Zbigniew Brzezinski)