The Great Chessboard

Why this book?

In 1997, Senator Joe Biden, returning from a trip to Russia, mocked the idea of a possible Moscow-Tehran-Beijing axis during a press conference. According to him, the interests of these countries were so divergent that an alliance was pure fiction. This statement followed discussions on the risks of Russia's marginalization after the Cold War, as the former superpower was in a state of decline.

For Biden, containing Russia in a role as a regional power, as Barack Obama asserted in 2014 during a summit in The Hague, did not lead to the formation of a "rogue state" axis. This view, widely shared in Washington, had, however, been contested as early as the 1990s by Zbigniew Brzezinski. Although he advocated for a policy of containing Russia, Brzezinski also recognized the risks involved. The worst-case scenario, he wrote, would be a coalition among China, Russia, and Iran, united by a common animosity toward the United States.

Today, although we are not talking about a true alliance, the war in Ukraine, tensions surrounding Taiwan, and American support for Israel have fostered a strategic rapprochement between these three nations. The recent visits of Vladimir Putin to Beijing, the growing military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, as well as their shared desire to bypass the dollar, are evidence of this. Brzezinski was correct: his reading of the post-Cold War world was more accurate than the naive vision of a triumphant capitalism that was supposed to prevail forever.

In fact, in 2003, Brzezinski viewed the war in Iraq as a major strategic error that could weaken the United States' position globally. He believed this war would divert attention from real challenges, such as combating international terrorism and managing relations with other major powers like Russia and China. In this reading note, we will explore Zbigniew Brzezinski's thinking, particularly the elements that allowed him to accurately anticipate contemporary dynamics in global power relations. Rediscovering the work of this visionary strategist is essential today to understand current issues.

Short Biography

Zbigniew Brzezinski, a Polish-American political scientist and diplomat, significantly influenced U.S. foreign policy, particularly as National Security Advisor under President Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981. A key architect of the "containment" policy against the Soviet Union, he played a crucial role in major issues, such as supporting the Mujahideen in Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion. His book The Grand Chessboard (1997) had a considerable impact on American strategic thought, particularly through its in-depth analysis of the geopolitical importance of Eurasia.

As a professor at Columbia University and Johns Hopkins University, Brzezinski often found himself in opposition to other prominent diplomatic figures, such as Henry Kissinger, though they shared a common belief in the necessity of countering Soviet influence during the Cold War.

Thesis of the Work

The Grand Chessboard: America and the World (published in 1997) is a foundational work in Zbigniew Brzezinski's geopolitical thought. In it, he examines the power dynamics at the end of the 20th century, following the fall of the Soviet Union, a moment when the United States had become the sole global superpower. Brzezinski outlines the challenges this hegemonic position presents to the U.S. while proposing a roadmap for maintaining that dominance in the 21st century.

A Classical Geopolitical Thought

Brzezinski draws on the concept of Eurasia, developed by several theorists, particularly through two major perspectives:

• Russian Neo-Eurasianists: Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, this school of thought, represented by intellectuals like Alexander Dugin, gained prominence. It promotes a vision of Russia as the central power of Eurasia, encouraging a strategic alliance with Asian nations, notably China and Iran, to counter Western hegemony embodied by the United States and Western Europe.
• Mackinder's Theory ("Heartland"): British geographer Halford Mackinder is known for his concept of the "Heartland," a central region of Eurasia that primarily includes Eastern Europe and Russia. According to him, controlling the Heartland allows for the domination of Eurasia and, by extension, the world. His famous premise suggests that whoever controls this central area has the power to influence the broader geopolitical landscape.

Whoever controls Eastern Europe dominates the Heartland; whoever controls the Heartland dominates the world-island (Eurasia); whoever controls the world-island dominates the world

• Brzezinski's Vision: He views Eurasia as a strategic space where the United States must maintain its influence to prevent any power or regional bloc from dominating this key area. He emphasizes that controlling Eurasia is crucial for preserving America's global hegemony. Therefore, he advocates for a proactive policy to contain Russia and influence Central Asian countries while blocking the emergence of regional competitors.

This perspective highlights Brzezinski's belief in the geopolitical significance of Eurasia and the necessity for the U.S. to be actively engaged in the region to secure its interests and counter potential threats from emerging powers.

The Concept of "Hegemonic America"

For Brzezinski, following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States emerged as the sole global superpower, capable of projecting its influence politically, militarily, economically, and culturally. This position must be preserved not only for strategic reasons but also to promote liberal values such as democracy, capitalism, and human rights.

Eurasia as a Strategic Pivot: Brzezinski argues that controlling Eurasia is essential for maintaining America's global hegemony. He divides this vast region into several strategic sub-regions:

• Western Europe: A key ally through NATO, essential for counterbalancing Russia.
• Russia: Although declining after the fall of the USSR, Russia remains a potential power due to its resources and geographical position.
• China: Currently expanding economically, it could become a major strategic rival.
• Central Asia: A vital region for controlling energy resources and trade routes.

Brzezinski’s insights emphasize the importance of these regions in the broader context of U.S. foreign policy and its efforts to sustain its dominant position in the world

Strategies to Maintain Hegemony

Brzezinski outlines a series of strategies that the United States should adopt to preserve its dominant position:

1. Preserve the Transatlantic Alliance: Maintaining close relationships with Europe, particularly through NATO, is essential.
2. Manage Relations with Russia: Instead of seeking direct confrontation, Brzezinski advocates for a containment strategy to limit Moscow's geopolitical ambitions.
3. Prevent a Hostile Coalition: He emphasizes the importance of avoiding the emergence of an anti-American alliance between Russia, China, and Iran.
4. Strengthen Alliances in Asia: Brzezinski proposes bolstering partnerships with regional powers such as Japan, India, and South Korea.
5. Control Energy Resources: Controlling resources, particularly oil and gas, is crucial for maintaining global economic stability and American hegemony.

These strategies reflect Brzezinski's understanding of the geopolitical landscape and the need for a proactive approach to U.S. foreign policy in a rapidly changing world.

Conclusion

Brzezinski concludes that in order to maintain their dominant status, the United States must sustain their military and economic power while fostering strong alliances. They should avoid the pitfalls of past empires, such as overconfidence and isolation. The Grand Chessboard remains an essential guide for understanding how the United States should navigate a changing world and preserve its supremacy in an increasingly complex international context.

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