The article highlights the growing alliance between autocratic states—China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea—and its dangerous implications for global democracy. The Moscow Victory Day parade, featuring leaders from several authoritarian regimes, serves as a stark symbol of this emerging bloc.
The alliance is actively cooperating militarily. Iran provides Russia with drones and missiles, while North Korea supplies artillery and troops to aid the Russian war effort in Ukraine. China, although not yet providing lethal weapons, significantly supports Russia’s military buildup by providing essential technology and buying substantial amounts of Russian oil and gas.
The economic ties between these nations further solidify their alliance. China’s large-scale purchase of Russian oil and Iranian oil demonstrates their mutual economic support, circumventing Western sanctions. This economic interdependence strengthens their collective resilience against external pressure.
The article criticizes European leaders for their complacency in the face of this growing threat. While acknowledging the need for rearmament, it highlights the inadequacy of current European defense strategies. The author specifically criticizes the UK's defense spending plans as insufficient to meet the challenges posed by the autocratic alliance. Other European nations, such as France and Germany, are also criticized for insufficient action.
The author calls for a significant increase in European defense spending and the formation of a new military coalition, independent of or with a reduced reliance on the US, to counter the rising threat. This coalition should include major EU powers along with the UK, Canada, and Norway. The article stresses that Britain, as a formidable military power, could play a pivotal role in leading this effort, conditioned on its commitment to significant defense spending and strategic leadership.