The recent events in Ukraine have shattered the security architecture of Europe, as the world watches Russia defy all warnings from the West concerning the sovereignty of its smaller neighbour. In this article, Matthew argues that despite the shocking nature of Putin’s attack, it has not come out of nowhere: the invasion is “the latest chapter in Russia’s increasingly ruthless and reckless raucous resurgence
With Xi Jinping’s growing grip on absolute power in China, the country seems to be transitioning from a one-party authoritarian state to a personal dictatorship, firmly under Xi’s thumb. This may sound like splitting hairs, but the ramifications are crucial. In this article Matthew demonstrates how Xi’s grip on absolute, and perpetual, power will affect the West, looking at three major sticking points: The Climate Emergency, the stability of Sino-Western relations, and the Taiwan question.
“Xi now has authority over the past, present and future of the Party, the state and everyone within”
For a long time, it has been no secret that Xi Jinping’s power within China is largely unrivalled. This article shows this power as being gained through Xi’s gradual expanse of control over party and state institutions, popular policies, and ideological authority through so-called ‘Xi Jinping Thought’. However, the recent ‘historical resolution’ issued in the Central Committee’s Sixth Plenum adds a new dimension to Xi’s power: perpetuity.
“China is not rising, as such; it has risen”. Whether we in the West like it or not, China is a global power. To focus on unempathetic and belligerent critiquing of China will only lead to a new Cold War. In order to productively engage and compete with this adversarial powerhouse we must understand the key tenets of its power: historical authority, stability, and prosperity.
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