1. United States (US)
Primary Interests:
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Global hegemony: Maintain military, economic, and technological dominance.
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Containment of rivals: Counter China’s rise and Russia’s aggression (NATO expansion, Indo-Pacific alliances like AUKUS, Quad).
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Energy security: Protect oil routes (Middle East, Strait of Hormuz).
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Promotion of democracy & human rights: Often used as leverage in foreign policy (e.g., sanctions on authoritarian regimes).
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Cybersecurity & tech dominance: Lead in AI, semiconductors, and space (competition with China).
Key Tools:
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Military alliances (NATO, bilateral pacts).
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Economic sanctions (e.g., on Russia, Iran).
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Dollar dominance (SWIFT system, trade restrictions).
2. China
Primary Interests:
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Territorial expansion: Secure control over Taiwan, South China Sea, and disputed borders (India, Japan).
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Economic dominance: Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), yuan internationalization, tech self-reliance (semiconductors).
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Global governance influence: Expand roles in UN, WHO, and BRICS to counter Western-led institutions.
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Military modernization: Challenge US naval power in Indo-Pacific.
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Resource security: Secure food, energy, and rare earth supply chains (Africa, Latin America).
Key Tools:
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Economic coercion (trade bans, debt diplomacy).
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Military buildup (artificial islands, hypersonic missiles).
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Diplomatic alliances (Russia, Pakistan, African states).
3. Russia
Primary Interests:
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Great power status: Maintain influence over former Soviet states (Ukraine, Belarus, Central Asia).
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Energy leverage: Use oil/gas exports (Europe) as political weapon.
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Military deterrence: Nuclear parity with US, hybrid warfare (cyberattacks, disinformation).
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Undermine NATO/West: Support anti-US regimes (Syria, Venezuela, Iran).
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Arctic dominance: Secure Northern Sea Route and resources.
Key Tools:
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Energy geopolitics (Gazprom, Nord Stream pipelines).
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Proxy wars (Wagner Group in Africa/Ukraine).
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Cyber warfare (election interference, infrastructure hacking).
4. United Kingdom (UK)
Primary Interests:
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Post-Brexit relevance: Strengthen ties with US (AUKUS), Commonwealth, and EU on security.
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Financial hub stability: Protect London’s banking sector from sanctions fallout.
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Nuclear deterrent: Maintain Trident program and NATO commitments.
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Global health/democracy: Vaccine diplomacy, anti-authoritarian stance (e.g., Hong Kong criticism).
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Arctic & Atlantic security: Counter Russia in Northern Europe.
Key Tools:
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Intelligence-sharing (Five Eyes alliance).
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Sanctions coordination with US/EU.
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Naval power projection (Carrier Strike Group deployments).
5. France
Primary Interests:
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European strategic autonomy: Reduce NATO/US dependency (e.g., push for EU defense).
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African influence: Military presence in Sahel (anti-jihadist ops, resource access).
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Nuclear independence: Maintain Force de Frappe as deterrent.
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Mediterranean security: Counter Turkey, Russia in Libya/Syria.
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Climate leadership: Push for green energy deals in Africa/Asia.
Key Tools:
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Military interventions (Mali, Chad).
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Arms exports (biggest EU seller to Middle East/India).
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EU diplomacy (Franco-German engine).
Common Threads & Conflicts
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US vs. China/Russia: Cold War-style rivalry over tech, trade, and military spheres.
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France/UK vs. Russia: NATO tensions (Ukraine, cyber threats).
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China/Russia alignment: Informal alliance to counter US, but with economic tensions.
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P5 Veto Power: Used to block actions against their interests (e.g., Russia on Syria, US on Israel).
