Obsessed with “Internal Security”
The Entente of the Autocrats in China and Russia
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
China and Russia have become close partners. Shared geopolitical interests do not provide a convincing explanation for this rapprochement. Positive norms hardly play a role either. Rather, the cause is to be sought in the increasingly similar authoritarian systems of rule in both countries. At the heart of this lies the principle of “sovereignty,” which they want to defend against “external interference.” The rulers share in their opposition to the liberal West and their enormous interest in maintaining power. Fear of democratic movements and “colour revolutions” is a constant theme. To prevent this, Beijing and Moscow are working closely together. They act as protective powers for other autocratic regimes and weaken the influence of liberal democratic systems worldwide.
(Osteuropa 7-9/2023, pp. 177–191)