Zheng Yongnian expresses concern over a potential peace deal between the US and Russia that might disadvantage Ukraine and undermine the liberal international order. He highlights the risk of a return to 18th and 19th-century power politics.
He notes that while Henry Kissinger previously suggested a US-Russia alliance against China, the current consensus within the US remains that China is the primary adversary. However, unlike the Cold War, a US-Russia deal might trigger unpredictable responses from Europe.
Yongnian points out the potential for the rise of right-wing forces in the US to influence similar movements in Europe, potentially leading to global instability. This is presented as a worst-case scenario.