Russia-China Relations: Emerging Alliance or Eternal Rivals?

This open-access book explores Russia-China relations in civilian and military domains, including technological, military, economic, and political cooperation. It examines strategic goals, external push and pull factors, and mutual perception shifts, and discusses the options for Western countries to influence this development. It also assesses the feasibility of a full-blown military alliance between Russia and China and its potential military-strategic impact on NATO.

Format: Hardback
Length: 315 pages
Publication date: 16 June 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive open-access book delves into the intricate dynamics of Russia-China relations, encompassing a wide range of civilian and military domains of cooperation. Renowned experts in the field present empirical case studies that explore diverse strategic cooperation areas between Russia and China, including technological advancements, military cooperation, economic partnerships, and political alignments. Through their insightful contributions, the authors shed light on the evolving strategic goals, external influences, and mutual perception shifts between these two nations. They also discuss the potential options for Western countries to influence this evolving development.

The book examines the evolution of the Russia-China relationship since the pivotal moment of the Crimean crisis in 2014. It assesses whether the possibility of a full-fledged military alliance, as suggested by President Putin in late 2020, is a realistic scenario that NATO must prepare for. The book appeals to students and scholars of international relations, political decision-makers, and anyone interested in Eurasian politics and the potential military-strategic implications of a Russian-Chinese alliance for NATO.

The book explores various facets of Russia-China relations, including economic cooperation, military exchanges, and political alignments. It examines the strategic goals of both countries, the external factors influencing their relations, and the shifts in mutual perceptions. The authors analyze the implications of a Russian-Chinese alliance for regional stability, global power dynamics, and the interests of NATO member states.

The book also discusses the challenges and opportunities that Western countries face in their interactions with Russia and China. It examines the strategies and policies adopted by different countries to navigate the complex dynamics of the Russia-China relationship, including diplomacy, economic sanctions, and military interventions. The authors offer insights into the potential risks and benefits of different approaches and provide recommendations for policymakers seeking to influence this evolving relationship.

In conclusion, this comprehensive open-access book provides a valuable exploration of Russia-China relations, offering a comprehensive analysis of the various civilian and military domains of cooperation. It sheds light on the evolving strategic goals, external influences, and mutual perception shifts between these two nations. By examining the potential options for Western countries to influence this development, the book contributes to our understanding of the complex dynamics of the Eurasian region and the broader global geopolitical landscape.

Weight: 650g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030970116
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022