Geopolitical Power Shifts and Spheres of Influence

The CRINK axis of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea has a collective goal of expanding “regional” spheres of influence. China’s approach to this, in particular, has been informed most recently by technological developments on the battlefield in Ukraine as well as the war in the Middle East.

In light of US foreign policy’s recent focus on the Indo-Pacific and the shared concern in Europe over the threat posed by China, member of German Parliament Roderich Kiesewetter discusses the critical importance of European capacity-building, particularly in developing SMART power to relieve the burden on the United States as a key transatlantic partner. Kiesewetter also argues that Europe successfully aiding Ukraine in achieving victory against Russia would not only strengthen Europe and NATO, but could also deter China in an invasion of Taiwan. Ukraine’s victory could thus serve as a positive blueprint in which freedom and self-determination prevail.

The views expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect East-West Center policies or positions.

The Honorable Roderich Kiesewetter is a member of the German Bundestag (CDU) and a retired colonel in the General Staff of the Bundeswehr (German Federal Armed Forces). He studied in Munich and Austin, Texas, earning a diploma in economics.

He served nearly thirty years in the German Armed Forces in a variety of command and staff positions, including foreign operations in the Balkans. From 2006 to 2009, he served as colonel (GS) at NATO Headquarters in Mons as executive officer to the chief of staff of SHAPE.

Since 2009, he has been a directly elected member of the Bundestag for the constituency of Aalen-Heidenheim. Since 2014, he has served as the representative of foreign affairs for the CDU/CSU-Caucus and serves as member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. From 2020 to 2025, he served as chair and deputy chair of the Parliamentary Oversight Panel (PKGr) that is responsible for scrutiny of the work of the intelligence services at Federal level.

This event is presented by East-West Center.

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