This thesis examines the growing partnership between Russia and China over the past two decades,
exploring the political, economic, and military factors that have driven their increasing cooperation.
Both countries, despite their complex histories, ...
This thesis examines the growing partnership between Russia and China over the past two decades,
exploring the political, economic, and military factors that have driven their increasing cooperation.
Both countries, despite their complex histories, have found common ground in their shared desire to
challenge the United States-led international order. Since 2001, China’s rise as a global power and
Russia’s push to restore its geopolitical influence have led to deeper ties between them, marked by
expanded trade, military exercises, and diplomatic collaboration. This research delves into the impact
of this alliance on global security, particularly its implications for the West, and considers examples
such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s support for Moscow. By assessing the benefits and
challenges of this relationship for both nations, the thesis argues that their cooperation is largely
transactional, based on mutual gain. Highlighting the profit-based nature of their cooperation is the
central focus of this research. While this partnership is currently advantageous for both sides, Russia’s
growing dependence on China could shift the balance in the future. The study also explores the
significant risks that the alliance poses to the United States and its allies, from military and economic
challenges to ideological competition. Eventually, the thesis emphasizes that the West must adopt a
more cohesive and proactive strategy to address the expanding Sino-Russian alliance, particularly in
regions such as Central Asia and the Indo-Pacific, where their influence is rising.