The American-led international order had three territorial vulnerabilities that were deliberately positioned but not protected: Crimea/Ukraine, Israel/Middle East, and Taiwan/South China Sea; these are borders of defeat for Russia, Iran, and China (territories they lost or claim), making them inherently revanchist pressure points.
factualpending
Speaker
Stephen KotkinEvidence Quote
“The American led international order Was vulnerable in three places territorially...Crimea, Ukraine, Israel, South China Sea, Taiwan...Those borders are Russia used to have that and doesn't have it anymore...'That's unfinished business for them.”
Created: 8/12/2026, 10:22:55 PM
My Notes
Loading notes...