Xi Jinping of China and Bashar al-Assad of Syria recently announced a new strategic partnership as U.S. adversaries band together economically and militarily. This episode explores the implications of this alliance, the history of U.S. involvement in Syria, and the shifting global order as American power declines.

We discuss the blowback from financial sanctions on Russia, increasing BRICS cooperation, and compare the current geopolitical situation to the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta. With insight from experts, maps and historical context, this podcast analyzes potential future conflicts and the need for diplomacy in our multipolar world.

Podcast Script: 

Introduction: 

Hello everyone. Recently, the leaders of China and Syria announced a new strategic partnership as adversaries of the United States seek to align economically and militarily. Today we'll explore why this alliance matters, provide background on U.S. involvement in Syria, and discuss the shifting global order as American power declines relative to rival states. 

Syria-China Partnership:

Last week, Xi Jinping and Bashar al-Assad announced a landmark strategic partnership between China and Syria. This comes as Russia, China, Iran, Venezuela and other nations sanctioned by the U.S. increasingly cooperate. Though the U.S. and Western democracies have made poor strategic decisions, these countries now see banding together as key to resisting American military domination. 

U.S. in Syria: 

The U.S. invaded Syria in 2014 under the Obama administration, with the aim of removing Assad. Since then, the U.S. has maintained a military presence in northeast Syria near major oil fields. Though Trump said he wanted to withdraw, he admitted it was about "keeping the oil." The U.S. essentially controls Kurdish oil production, while adversaries like Russia and Iran are partnering with Syria's central government. 

Global Order Shifting:

U.S. financial sanctions on Russia have caused significant blowback, with sanctioned nations looking to trade outside the Western system. BRICS countries have focused on inter-trade and explored creating a joint currency. We're seeing the emergence of a multi-polar world, as the U.S. stands increasingly alone. When the U.N. refused to approve invading Iraq, the U.S. went ahead anyway, damaging international trust.

Historical Parallels:

This situation has parallels to the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, where rising Athenian power caused Sparta to fear it would displace them as regional hegemon. Graham Allison applies this "Thucydides Trap" framework to current U.S.-China tensions. Though war often seems inevitable in these scenarios, diplomacy and frank dialogue remains key to avoiding catastrophic outcomes.  

Conclusion: 

The emerging Syria-China alliance demonstrates Russia, China and other nations banding together economically and militarily in a multi-polar world. As American power declines, the blowback from imposing financial sanctions and attempting to control oil access shows the limits of military force. Avoiding war will require nuanced diplomacy and negotiations between all players on the global stage.