China–Russia–Iran–North Korea Ties: Weaker and Less Economically Significant Than They Seem
Whatever the geopolitical ramifications of cooperation within this group, its economic reach and finances are far from enough to topple the international system
Soldiers from Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea pose for a photo before a display during a 'Kimjongilia' flower exhibition celebrating late leader Kim Jong-Il, in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Feb. 14, 2019. Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images
The media has made much of the growing cooperation between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Sometimes called the “axis of upheaval” or CRINK after the initials of these nations, this group may well present a diplomatic, geopolitical, or even military challenge to the United States and existing international relations.
Milton Ezrati
Author
Milton Ezrati is a contributing editor at The National Interest, an affiliate of the Center for the Study of Human Capital at the University at Buffalo (SUNY), and chief economist for Vested, a New York-based communications firm. Before joining Vested, he served as chief market strategist and economist for Lord, Abbett & Co. He also writes frequently for City Journal and blogs regularly for Forbes. His latest book is "Thirty Tomorrows: The Next Three Decades of Globalization, Demographics, and How We Will Live."
