WASHINGTON—Recent clashes in Ukraine, Syria, and the South China Sea indicate the magnitude of the challenges that revisionist powers Russia and China present to the Western powers. Using “hybrid” techniques, Russian and Chinese policymakers have skillfully mixed military and nonmilitary tactics to achieve geopolitical gains at the expense of the United States and its partners and allies.
Despite major dissimilarities in terms of their national assets, methods, objectives, and world visions, Russia and China present some comparable challenges to global security. In particular, both authoritarian states have applied various military, paramilitary, legal, economic, and information tools in the western Pacific and Eurasia to expand their regional influence, divide potential opponents, and otherwise seize the strategic initiative.
