Geopolitical Power Shifts and Spheres of Influence: Ukraine's Victory as a Positive Model for Taiwan

The CRINK axis of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea has a collective goal of expanding “regional” spheres of influence. China’s approach to this, in particular, has been informed most recently by technological developments on the battlefield in Ukraine as well as the war in the Middle East. In light of US foreign policy’s recent focus on the Indo-Pacific and the shared concern in Europe over the threat posed by China, member of German Parliament Roderich Kiesewetter discusses the critical importance of European capacity-building, particularly in developing SMART power to relieve the burden on the United States as a key transatlantic partner. Kiesewetter also argues that Europe successfully aiding Ukraine in achieving victory against Russia would not only strengthen Europe and NATO, but could also deter China in an invasion of Taiwan. Ukraine’s victory could thus serve as a positive blueprint in which freedom and self-determination prevail. The views expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect East-West Center policies or positions.