The Great Challenge: China, Russia

In the documentary “The Great Challenge: China, Russia,” we embark on a thought-provoking journey through the complex web of international relations. This eye-opening film delves into the United States’ evolving relationships with Russia and China in the wake of the Soviet Union’s dissolution in the 1990s. Through a rich tapestry of newsreel footage and insightful interviews with journalists, politicians, and strategists, the film unravels the intricate threads of global politics, power plays, and their far-reaching consequences.

As the world grappled with the post-Soviet landscape, the United States sought to maintain its global supremacy. The documentary sheds light on the US strategy of bolstering its military presence in key regions adjacent to the Middle East’s energy resources. This approach, as explained by Daniele Scalea, Editor-in-Chief of Geopolitica Journal, was aimed at curbing potential rivals’ rise to power. However, journalist and politician Giulietto Chiesa offers a cautionary perspective, highlighting the inherent risks in America’s quest to control global resources.

A pivotal moment in recent history, the Greater Middle East Project, initiated during the second Bush administration, aimed to extend American influence across the Middle East. This ambitious project, examined in the film, played a significant role in maintaining US economic and political dominance in the region. By strategically controlling borders in this geopolitically crucial area, the United States sought to neutralize potential threats from Russia.

But the tides of history shifted with Vladimir Putin’s ascent to power in Russia in 2000. Under his leadership, Russia reemerged as a formidable global player, posing renewed challenges to US interests. The film takes us through this pivotal transformation and the ensuing geopolitical chess match between the two nations.

While the documentary primarily focuses on the dynamic between the United States and Russia, it also offers a glimpse into China’s role in this intricate narrative. Political activist Ginette Skandrani highlights China’s growing influence and independence from the United States and the Middle East. With both Russia and China gaining strength in the global economy, questions loom large: Will the United States’ pursuit of globalization neutralize their growth, or are we headed toward a future marked by increased global competition and complex power dynamics?