For Western military officials, geopolitical strategists, politicians, and diplomats, the nightmare scenario is a deep and official China-Russia alliance against the West. But there is an even worse possible outcome.
The hyper-nightmare scenario is a China-Russia-India alliance.
This prospect had seemed distant for quite some time, given the animosity (and even border skirmishes) between India and China, as well as India's interest in keeping its options open and thus avoiding a commitment to either the West or the China-Russia axis. India (quite understandably, given its long history and immense population) views itself as a civilization and power that others should seek out as an equal partner.
India also recognized the importance of counterbalancing China's influence and avoiding overdependence on Russia, given Russia's significant economic weakness, military constraints, and deep unpopularity in the West.
Thus, it would take a truly horrendous and ill-judged foreign policy posture to push India deeper into the China-Russia camp.
And that brings us to U.S. President Donald Trump
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