According to British parliamentarian Iain Duncan Smith, the democratic West is de facto at war with the axis of totalitarianism. But what is most alarming is that democracy is losing without even realizing it.
The systemic threat posed to the free world by the new axis of totalitarian states, is the largest since the end of the Cold War. It grows every day, but the West closes its eyes so as not to see the danger.
British politician Iain Duncan Smith writes about this in his column for The Telegraph.
The parliamentarian noted that the “axis of evil” was created by China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, but this list is constantly expanding: Syria, Myanmar, some countries of the Persian Gulf and a number of African countries have chosen a totalitarian path for themselves.
“Each of these countries already has a list of allegations of horrifying brutality. Russia's crimes are, of course, well known, many of them committed as part of Vladimir Putin's bid to restore the borders of the former Soviet Union. After the Kremlin got away with it in 2008 war of aggression against Georgia and the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, and a brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Putin’s internal repression of political opposition and external cyber attacks on the West add to Russia’s terrifying and threatening reputation both abroad and at home,” – Smith noted.
The politician also drew attention to the actions of China. Beijing is helping the Russian Federation organize arms supplies from North Korea. At the same time, the genocide of the Uyghur people in Xinjiang has been taking place in China for many years. Beijing has also torn up the Sino-British declaration on Hong Kong, represses “dissidents” and fighters for democracy, and uses intimidation tactics against neighboring states. In addition, Taiwan could at any time become a victim of China's aggressive invasion and occupation.
These two totalitarian regimes – the Russian Federation and China – also closely cooperate with Iran, providing it with weapons and strategic support.
“The West is effectively at war with this axis of totalitarianism, and the harsh reality is that we are losing without even realizing it. Since the end of the Cold War, democracy has been gradually retreating. Now, for the first time in many years, a large number of independent states are governed by autocracies. China's role in this process is critical,” Smith notes.
According to him, the active stimulation of the Chinese economy by Western states turned against them and led to a dangerous dependence on many Chinese goods.
“We depend on this menacing and cruel country for huge parts of our economy. Batteries, windmills, electric cars, rare earth minerals – the list goes on and on. Even our universities are dependent on the money of Chinese students,” – noted the British politician.
In his opinion, the G7 countries acknowledge there is a problem, but seem to believe that it is easier to “turn a blind eye” and do nothing, while reaping any short-term benefits offered.
“Today, the rise of totalitarian countries and the inaction of the West are reminiscent of the appeasement of the 1930s with all the ensuing consequences. No, this is not some mythical “end of history,” but only a repetition of it,” summed up Ian Duncan Smith.
Recall that in a high-profile NYT article it is noted that for Ukraine to win the war, promises from the West are not enough. The aid allocated to Kyiv is not enough, and the security agreements do not contain real guarantees.
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