The Limits of the ‘Axis’ of Authoritarianism: China and Russia’s Reluctance to Aid Iran

Wed Jul 16 2025 21:35:31 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
The Limits of the ‘Axis’ of Authoritarianism: China and Russia’s Reluctance to Aid Iran

In a revealing analysis, U.S. officials' vision of a unified effort among Iran, Russia, and China during recent conflicts appears to have been overstated, showcasing the complexities of international relations.


As tensions escalate in the Middle East, the anticipated alliance between authoritarian nations, particularly Iran, Russia, and China, seems less robust than initially believed. Their limited response to Iran’s needs during conflict with Israel highlights the fractures in this supposed "axis" of nations.



In the face of increasing military conflict in the Middle East, particularly between Iran and Israel, the anticipated support from Russia and China for Iran has not materialized as some expected. Despite the previous collaboration among these authoritarian states, notably seen in Russia's war against Ukraine alongside Iranian support through drone and missile exports, the outbreak of conflict in Israel has shown the fragility of their alliance.

U.S. and British officials naively labeled the coalition between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea as a new "axis" of authoritarianism, believing it bound together by a shared disdain for the United States and its allies. However, when critical moments arose—namely the recent Israeli offensives or U.S. bombardments of Iranian nuclear facilities—neither Russia nor China extended any substantial military support to Iran.

Alexander Gabuev, a noted authority from the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, remarked on the situation: "The reality of this conflict turned out to be that Russia and China didn’t run to Iran’s rescue." This sentiment underscores a significant realization—that these states prioritize their individual interests over collective support, revealing the limitations of any solidified axis of nations.

The absence of a unified front speaks volumes about the differing strategies and objectives among these countries. "Each of them is pretty selfish and doesn’t want to get embroiled in the wars of others," Gabuev concluded, emphasizing the divergence in values and institutions compared to the cohesive alliances seen among U.S. allies. Thus, as the conflict evolves, it becomes increasingly clear that while rhetoric may suggest solidarity, political realities often dictate otherwise.

MORE ON THEME

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 17:58:03 GMT

Inside Buckley Space Force Base: The Guardians of Global Missile Tracking

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 17:58:03 GMT
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 13:58:03 GMT

Russia Unyielding Amid Trump’s Peace Ultimatum on Ukraine Conflict

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 13:58:03 GMT
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 13:56:34 GMT

Israel Strikes Damascus Amid Rising Tensions in Syria's Sweida Region

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 13:56:34 GMT
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 13:22:03 GMT

US Ambassador Demands Thorough Investigation into Killing of Palestinian-American in West Bank

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 13:22:03 GMT
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:44:28 GMT

Europe's Renewed Threat of U.N. Sanctions on Iran: Deadline Approaches

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:44:28 GMT
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:54:27 GMT

Afghan Women Face Harsh Reality Upon Return from Iran Deportation

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:54:27 GMT
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:52:43 GMT

Iran's Mass Deportation of Afghans Sparks Humanitarian Crisis

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:52:43 GMT
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 07:33:30 GMT

**Renewed Violence Erupts in Southern Syria Amid Government Struggles**

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 07:33:30 GMT
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:52:39 GMT

Israel Strikes Syrian Forces Amid Sectarian Violence in Suweida

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:52:39 GMT
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 04:39:12 GMT

China's Economic Resilience: Growth Amidst U.S. Tariffs

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 04:39:12 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 23:52:06 GMT

Huckabee Demands Accountability Following Palestinian-American's Death in West Bank

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 23:52:06 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 23:17:18 GMT

Trump’s NATO Arms Deal for Ukraine Triggers MAGA Backlash

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 23:17:18 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 21:32:28 GMT

Ukrainians Skeptical of Trump's 50-Day Ceasefire Ultimatum to Putin

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 21:32:28 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 21:28:25 GMT

China's Economy Shows Resilience Amid U.S. Tariffs

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 21:28:25 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 18:03:12 GMT

Trump's Ukraine Remarks Misinterpreted, White House Claims

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 18:03:12 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:07:12 GMT

China Enacts Stricter Controls on Electric Vehicle Battery Technology

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:07:12 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:05:09 GMT

Netanyahu's Coalition in Turmoil as Ultra-Orthodox Party Exits Over Military Service Debate

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:05:09 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:49:23 GMT

Israel Strikes Syria and Lebanon in Renewed Military Campaign

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:49:23 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:46:35 GMT

**Trump's New Stance on Ukraine Signals Support for European Defense Efforts**

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:46:35 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:06:27 GMT

Israel Strikes Syrian Forces Amid Sectarian Violence in Druze City

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:06:27 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.