For this month, we invited Dr. Richard K. Betts, Leo A. Shifrin Professor of War and Peace Studies at Columbia University, discusses the implications of the Russia-Ukraine War on the global security environment and pressing security threats in Northeast Asia. Dr. Betts states that the ongoing Ukraine War, with no end in sight, has been a test for military and economic theories of coercion. He draws parallels between North Korea and Russia, claiming that both countries have observed the potential danger of nuclear weapons initiated by a personalist dictatorship. On China-Russia relations, he states that China lies in an “awkward position” and can either help Russia economically without doing so militarily, or help militarily as well in secretive ways.

Questions:
1) How do you evaluate the Russia-Ukraine War? What are the implications for the war on East Asia and U.S.-China relations? 00:00
2) What are your thoughts on the prospect of a nuclear war? 06:57
3) Will Russia-China strategic relations persist even in the outbreak of war? 12:17

(From Youtube)