Russia’s closer ties with China, Iran, and North Korea are emerging as one of the most important geopolitical consequences of the war in Ukraine. Analyst Andrea Kendall-Taylor argues that this grouping should not be understood only as a classic military alliance, but as a broader and more durable realignment shaped by shared interests and pressure from the West.
The idea, described as an "axis of upheaval," points to a network of states that are cooperating in ways that can challenge the existing international order. The war in Ukraine appears to have accelerated these links, pushing Moscow to deepen relationships with governments that can help it withstand isolation and extend its reach.
Kendall-Taylor’s assessment suggests the partnership may outlast the current phase of the Ukraine conflict. Rather than depending on a formal alliance structure, the relationship appears to rest on practical cooperation, overlapping strategic goals, and a mutual interest in weakening Western influence.
That makes the shift especially significant for policymakers watching the broader global balance of power. If Russia’s partnerships with China, Iran, and North Korea continue to strengthen beyond Ukraine, they could shape security debates and diplomatic calculations well beyond Europe.
