Brian M Downing and the world at war. Timely, thoughtful, and nonpartisan analysis of military matters. @BrianMDowning1.
Brian M Downing China has been building up its navy for many years. Army budgets are relatively static but naval vessels continue to roll into the sea from bustling shipyards. Amid rising tensions with Washington, Beijing is hastening construction of its third and fourth aircraft carriers, at least one of Read More …
Brian M Downing Only a few weeks ago leaders in Washington and Pyongyang were trading threats and even insults. Some people thought East Asia was approaching nuclear war. A false alarm of an incoming missile brought consternation in Hawaii. A year ago it would have brought nothing. Though a few Read More …
Brian M Downing China’s most important strategic partner, by far, is Russia. They share borders, opposition to democracy at home, and the desire to weaken American hegemony. Their combined land mass and military power have no parallel in history and pose a challenge to the role order. Russia and China Read More …
Brian M Downing China’s economic growth and increasing global reach have reaped geopolitical advantages. The same of course was true when Britain, France, and the United States planted their flags and built commerce across the globe in previous centuries. In the case of China the process has come from careful Read More …
Brian M Downing In all recorded history, China has had the strongest economy in the world, with the exception of the previous two centuries. The West’s preeminence seems timeless and preordained in much of the world, but in China it’s an historical fluke, one that will be made plain to Read More …
Brian M Downing China and Pakistan recently signed an agreement granting Beijing the operating rights to the Gwadar port facilities in western Pakistan, along the Arabian Sea and near the Strait of Hormuz. Last year, China rejected Pakistan’s offer to build a naval base in Gwadar – a move that humiliated Read More …
Brian M Downing The United States has shifted its attention away from Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts of the world and firmly fixed it on Iran. Along with this has come a buildup of naval, air and ground forces to pressure and perhaps even attack Iran over fears its nuclear Read More …
Brian M Downing China’s emergence as a global economic power is clear. How China will affect governments around the world, isn’t. Over the last decade, it has gone abroad and locked up critical oil and ore contracts and embarked upon numerous major construction projects such as railroads, pipelines, and port Read More …
Brian M Downing Russia’s use of its military and security forces has historically not been known for economy of force or strategic subtlety. Injudicious invaders and troublesome satellites have been met with overwhelming force. However, in the decades after Joseph Stalin and his successors belatedly departed the scene, Russia has Read More …