The rules-based liberal order was always, in part, an illusion – albeit one that gripped much of the world, for a period of time.

It seems that Russia and China will remain aloof and patient – waiting upon structures to crack, Alastair Crooke writes.

Incumbents of the White House come and go, but U.S. security objectives do not alter course so readily, Alastair Crooke writes.

Does Europe possess the energy and the humility to look itself in the mirror, and re-position itself diplomatically?

Can an America that off-shored much of its manufacturing capacity to China, for short-term profit, afford the de-coupling?

All of Central Asia is re-setting towards the SCO, EAEU, Russia and China. The former is now ‘lost’ to the U.S., Alastair Crooke writes.

What we see is an attempt to impose an idealised technical managerialism onto a complex, rather than pursue real solutions to problems.

Beijing has resolved that subjugation (opium or gaming addiction) will never be allowed to happen again, Alastair Crooke writes.

There is little mystery as to why the Taliban took over Kabul so quickly, Alastair Crooke writes.

China is more determined to shape the region than many analysts realise, Alastair Crooke writes.