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Books

Axis of Convenience: Moscow, Beijing and the New Geopolitics

October 2008

Few relationships have been as misunderstood as the "strategic partnership" between Russia and China. Official rhetoric portrays it as the very model of international cooperation: Moscow and Beijing claim that ties are closer and warmer than at any time in history. In reality, however, the picture is highly ambiguous. While both sides are committed to multifaceted engagement, cooperation is complicated by historical suspicions, cultural prejudices, geopolitical rivalries, and competing priorities. For Russia, China is at once the focus of a genuine convergence of interests and the greatest long-term threat to its national security. For China, Russia is a key supplier of energy and weapons, but is frequently dismissed as a self-important power whose rhetoric far outstrips its real influence.

Axis of Convenience cuts through the mythmaking and examines the Sino-Russian partnership on its own merits. It steers between the overblown interpretation of an anti-Western (particularly, anti-American) alliance and the complacent assumption that past animosities and competing agendas must always divide the two nations. Their relationship reflects a new geopolitics, one that eschews formal alliances in favor of more flexible and opportunistic arrangements. Ultimately, it is an axis of convenience driven by cold-eyed perceptions of the national interest.

In evaluating the current state and future prospects of the relationship, Bobo Lo assesses its impact on the evolving strategic environments in Central and East Asia. He also analyzes the global implications of rapprochement between Moscow and Beijing, focusing in particular on the geopolitics of energy and Russia-China-US triangularism.

Praise:

"In this brilliant book, Bobo Lo offers an insightful and stimulating analysis of one of the most important relationships in international politics today. He takes a hard look at the interests driving Russian and Chinese policy, and argues his case thoroughly and persuasively. This is a most valuable contribution at a time when the world is wondering whether a new Russian President will bring a new Russia." - Volker Stanzel, Political Director of the German Foreign Ministry and formerly Germany's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China.

"Bobo Lo is one of the world's best experts on Russia, and a keen student of modern China. The depth of his analysis, his intellectual honesty, and the compelling power of his arguments make his works a must for all those watching the evolution of the global order. One simply cannot afford to miss his Axis of Convenience, probably the best book written about the contemporary Sino-Russian relationship." - Dmitri Trenin, Deputy Director and Senior Associate of the Carnegie Moscow Centre.

"A perceptive, realistic and persuasive analysis. Bobo Lo debunks myths about the Moscow-Beijing axis, warning against exaggerating either its successes or its failures. Anyone who wants to understand the rise of the Sino-Russian partnership and what it means for the West in the post-Cold War world must read this book." - Angela E. Stent, Director of the Center for Eurasian, Russian, and East European Studies, Georgetown University.

The book will be launched at Chatham House on 6 November. Event details >>

Hardback Price: £18.99
ISBN: 9780815753407

Author(s): Bobo Lo