The 2025 Oksenberg Symposium analyzed strategic dynamics among China, Russia, India, and the United States, focusing on Russia’s partnership with China, the reliability of U.S. alliances under Trump, and India’s balancing act between the two powers. Experts emphasized the shift toward a multipolar world and the complications facing international cooperation.
The 2025 Oksenberg Symposium convened experts to analyze the evolving strategic dynamics among China, Russia, India, and the United States. The backdrop of the discussion includes Russia’s ongoing partnership with China, particularly following the war in Ukraine, and worries surrounding the reliability of the U.S. as a partner under President Trump, especially in light of his tariffs impacting India. Panelists included esteemed scholars such as Da Wei, Alex Gabuev, Sumit Ganguly, and Michael McFaul.
Panelists discussed the strengthening China-Russia alignment in various sectors, notably military and economic, while considering the implications of Russia’s growing dependence on China. Despite their partnership, the two nations exhibit a mutual distrust towards the West. China has cautiously avoided condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine, understanding the consequences of destabilizing its ally.
India employs a delicate strategy in its relations with both the U.S. and China, bolstered by shared concerns about Chinese assertiveness. However, historical wariness stemming from the Cold War continues to shape New Delhi’s approach toward U.S. intentions. Notably, military tensions with China and strategic ties with Pakistan complicate India’s relationship with its northern neighbor while enhancing its defense collaboration with the United States.
The discussion highlighted U.S.-China relations, characterized by a competitive atmosphere that has led to perceptions of a new Cold War. The Trump administration’s sharp rhetoric presented China as a strategic adversary, contributing to economic decoupling through tariffs. China, while valuing its partnership with Russia, must balance its responses to conflict amid growing border tensions with India.
The increasing competition among these four countries complicates international cooperation, suggesting a shift toward a multipolar world where national interests dominate. This fragmentation may provide China with diplomatic advantages, but it raises concerns over U.S. isolationism as it distances itself from past commitments to multilateralism and democratic ideals.
The symposium concluded by emphasizing the necessity of navigational strategies in this complex environment. Panelists underscored the urgent need for China, the United States, Russia, and India to prioritize their national interests while engaging in dialogues that foster global stability against the backdrop of shifting power dynamics.
The Oksenberg Symposium illuminated the intricate relationships among China, Russia, India, and the United States amid evolving geopolitical landscapes. Panelists identified growing concerns about the reliability of the U.S. partnership, the increasing military and economic alignment of China and Russia, and India’s cautious approach to both major powers. The discussions highlighted the challenges of creating a stable global order in light of shifting alliances and rising competition.
Original Source: aparc.fsi.stanford.edu
