Sarah Paine — How Russia sabotaged China's rise

Sarah Paine discusses Russo-Chinese relations, focusing on historical patterns of continental empires, Russian and Chinese national identities, and the implications of these dynamics for current geopolitical strategies. She explains how Russia and China have historically operated, emphasizing territorial expansion, buffer zones, and the destabilization of neighbors. Paine also covers key events such as the Opium Wars, the Sino-Japanese War, and the Korean War, highlighting Russia's role in derailing China's rise. She contrasts Russian and Chinese nightmare scenarios, analyzes the Sino-Soviet split, and assesses the current dynamics between Putin and Xi Jinping, suggesting that their bromance is unlikely to last due to conflicting interests and historical tensions. The conversation concludes with a discussion on managing these relationships to maximize the economic growth and security of allies.