PO597: PostCommunist Russia

Class Paper: Book Review 1500 words

Title of Book: Axis of Convenience: Moscow, Beijing and the New Geopolitics Author of Book: Bobo Lo No of Words: 1468
Name: AMAL NABILLAH HAJI-AFFANDY Student No.: 09497814 Email: ana21@kent.ac.uk Seminar Leader: Adrian Pabst

School of Politics and International Relations

In the Axis of Convenience: Moscow, Beijing and the New Geopolitics, Bobo Lo presents an interesting perspective on the failings and makings of the two biggest communist powers of the 20th century. The book aims to explore deeper into the so-called strategic partnership1 and also to challenge the belief that there is much to be feared from the general assumption that a Russian-Chinese alliance will be ominous for USA hegemony. Rather than a formal superpower alliance with shared mutual interests, Bobo Lo describes the relationship as more of an axis of convenience between two states that work together to pursue their own respective national interests due to the opportunistic circumstances that befall them.2 Readers shall be reminded of former USA president George W. Bush controversially calling Iraq, Iran and North Korea combined as the axis of evil.3 Nevertheless, the book begs the question, does Russia and China need each other or is the situation merely necessary cooperation masked with ambiguity and tension as Bobo Lo describes it? Bobo Lo aims to show the hard realities of the situation -- how it is and not how we fear it to be -- and he does so effectively. The book is written in rich detail using the tool of comprehensive historical analysis combined with extensive use of historical case studies. The history of Sino-Russian relations can be described as tumultuous and emotional. Yet, Bobo Lo can be praised for providing strong historical contexts for his arguments while maintaining an objective and dispassionate tone preserving the academic rigor of the book. Bobo also provides a strong reference support for his arguments, increasing the content validity of the book.

1 2

Bobo Lo, Axis of Convenience: Moscow, Beijing, and the New Geopolitics (London: Chatham House, 2008) 1 Ibid., 3 3 BBC News, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/1796034.stm (accessed 27/10/11)

In addition, the author also has excellent background knowledge for the book as Bobo Lo is a former diplomat and the current director for Russia and China at the Centre for European reform in London, United Kingdom.4 Also, the structure of the book is useful thanks to its division of chapter by a subtopic or issue of relevance to the Russia-China relationship. On top of a well written introduction and conclusion that completes the book; each chapter entails a different aspect of the Russia-China relationship. An aesthetically and academically useful component, there is a map at the beginning of each chapter as well as a quote. The maps can provide readers with graphic knowledge of the geographical areas that encompass Sino-Russian issues. Also, we are aware of the territorial vastness of both China and Russias land areas and these handy maps may serve to good function. For example, it is possible to see that the distance of Moscow and the Russian Far East is considerably stretched apart which helps readers understand better why the latter can be so neglected at times. On the other hand, Bobo Lo also makes use of quotes to capture and stimulate the attention of the readers. Some quotes are classical such as the excerpt from a Russian poem by Vladimir Soloviev in chapter two.5 The purpose of this quote is to remind the readers that the burden of history shall not be forgotten. Other quotes are more contemporary; for example in chapter three Bobo Lo quotes Hu Jintao (2005), Both sides agree that in recent years Chinese-Russian partnership relations of strategic cooperation have reached a level unprecedented in their history.6 Such a quote reminds readers that there have been periods of mutual isolation and indifference in Sino-Russian relations.7

http://www.forumspb.com/en/SPIEF_2011/Programme_2011/programm/reporters_4/people/1399?type=report er (accessed 02/11/11) 5 Bobo Lo, Axis of Convenience, 17 6 Ibid., 38 7 Ibid., 20

Although the main theme of the book is how new geopolitics can affect and influence state relations as the title suggests, we can say that the book covers several major ideas and does so effectively. There are certain important themes that we can see in the book that crucially defines the relationship and these are linked by the concept of asymmetry.8 Significantly, Bobo Lo recognizes that the Sino-Russian relationship is first and foremost asymmetrical in nature and it is anything but simple. To deem it a perfect and harmonious strategic partnership would be a misjudgment of the true reality of the picture. According to Bobo Lo it is more of a mutually beneficial partnership.9 Initially when viewed from the surface, Russia and China do have certain selected common objectives such as the trade of energy and providing a counter-balance to US hegemony. However, Bobo Lo argues that it is clear that they have different agendas and any shared interests are only acted upon for the purpose of advancing both parties national interests.10 The relationship can be characterized as flexible, ambiguous and intrinsically limited. It is an axis of convenience that is littered with historical grievances, general mistrust, cultural prejudices and suspicion.11 This asymmetry is greatly illustrated in the widely different roles China and Russia play in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) which Bobo Lo discusses to some extent. For example, China has on many accounts refused Moscows bid to turn the SCO into a quasi-military formation to act as a counter to NATO.12 Both countries cooperation in the SCO is merely one of regional pragmatism. 13 The asymmetry widens further on the energy issue. Bobo Lo argues that Russia does not prefer to supply oil to China with great reason. Europe provides a better market for Russia because it offers to pay

8 9

Bobo Lo, Axis of Convenience, 178 Ibid., 181 10 Ibid., Chapter Two 11 Ibid., 194 12 Ibid., 104 13 http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/65230/stephen-kotkin/the-unbalanced-triangle?page=show (accessed 02/11/11)

substantially more than China will. It does not help that the majority of the oil deposits are located in Siberia and pipelines mostly go through Europe.14 Taking into account all these logical points, it is possible to say that Axis of Conveniences strengths lies in its strong historical context and convincing arguments backed with relevant case study examples. It is an excellent reference point for tackling the Sino-Russian relationship. However, critics of geopolitics would dismiss it as being obsolete for explaining state power relations, but Bobo Lo manages to bring the concept to a level whereby it seems the most logical modus operandi15 for the Sino-Russian relationship. Hence, Bobo Lo defines it as a new geopolitics where only the means have changed and the goals remain the same.16 Also, the book provides a great insight but may lack a specific perspective or theory of International relations. Being a former Australian diplomat for Moscow, it is possible that the book can be categorized as a useful guide to Sino-Russian foreign policy with a historical basis. A more convincing theory, if it should have one, would be Realism. It is undeniable that throughout the book there are elements of Realism. The axis of convenience between Russia and China is based on the idea of national interest which is inherently a realist notion. State security and survival are also important aspects that we see characterize the Sino-Russian relationship. In spite of these elements of Realism, it can still be summed up as one of the most convincing example of positive sums international relations today.17 Although they reject persistent Western criticisms of certain anti-democratic trends and illiberal values, it is clear that Moscow and Beijing will work together against global threats.18 With that, I believe that Axis of Convenience deserves praise for its capability to recognize the achievements of the relationship as well as its limitations. All the current factors will greatly determine

14 15

Bobo Lo, Axis of Convenience, 134 Ibid., 176 16 Ibid., 176 17 Ibid., 176 18 Ibid., 183

the evolution of the relationship in the future to come. On policymakers, the impact will be the realization that the transition of the relationship has not been smooth and Bobo Lo takes this into account as he shows both the high and low points in the relationship. According to Bobo Lo, China and Russia will strive to maintain a sense of strategic convergence in which cooperation at all levels is crucial.19 Given the positive trends in the relationship and the state of the international community battling against bigger problems such as the threats of terrorism and climate change, Bobo Los scenario of strategic convergence seems a probable one. Indeed the book will definitely be of lasting significance for the decade to come, especially in the field of International Relations. In my opinion, Axis of Convenience makes an extremely useful and interesting read for those who wish to simply understand the love-hate albeit convenient relationship of Russia and China or to use it as an academic reference that efficiently illustrates the pragmatic nature of the partnership. .

19

Bobo Lo, Axis of Convenience, 184

BIBLIOGRAPHY

BOOK: Lo, Bobo. Axis of Convenience: Moscow, Beijing, and the New Geopolitics. London: Chatham House, 2008.

WEBSITES: BBC News, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/1796034.stm (accessed 27/10/11) http://www.forumspb.com/en/SPIEF_2011/Programme_2011/programm/reporters_4/peo ple/1399?type=reporter (accessed 02/11/11) http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/65230/stephen-kotkin/the-unbalancedtriangle?page=show (accessed 02/11/11)