If the West Is Collapsing, What Comes Next in 2026? - Prof. Jiang Xueqin

The video transcript posits that current geopolitical tensions are escalating towards a potential World War III, driven by a shift from a unipolar to a multipolar world order, a breakdown of international cooperation, and a resurgence of national self-interest. The American national security strategy is cited as evidence of this shift, moving away from multilateralism towards prioritizing the Western Hemisphere and enforcing the Monroe Doctrine, leading to potential conflicts in South America. Simultaneously, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is seen as nearing its end with Russia gaining ground, while European nations are attempting to prolong the conflict. The Middle East is also identified as a volatile region, with escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, fueled by unproven accusations and potential Israeli military action. The video further delves into historical parallels, comparing the current power shift with the lead-up to World War I, where Germany's rise challenged British hegemony. It highlights the perceived arrogance of Western nations in ignoring warnings and the "childish" narrative of good versus evil used to justify their actions. The transcript argues that historical patterns, such as Britain's strategy of sowing chaos in Eurasia to maintain its maritime dominance, are now being mirrored by the US in its efforts to contain the rise of China. A key concern is the potential for an alliance between Russia, Iran, and China, which the Anglo-American powers view as a significant threat. The video concludes by emphasizing the historical tendency for limited wars to escalate uncontrollably, using Vietnam and the current situation in Venezuela as examples of "mission creep" and the illusion of escalation control, warning that the current global instability could lead to a wider conflict.

• The American national security strategy signals a shift from multilateralism to national self-interest and the enforcement of the Monroe Doctrine, leading to increased US naval presence in the Caribbean and potential conflict in South America.
• The Russia-Ukraine war is described as nearing its end with Ukraine facing manpower and morale collapse, while European nations are pushing to continue the fight, potentially by confiscating Russian assets.
• Escalation in the Middle East is ongoing between Israel and Iran, with accusations of Iranian involvement in incidents like the Bondi Beach tragedy, despite a lack of evidence.
• Historical parallels are drawn between the current power shift and the lead-up to World War I, where Germany's rise challenged British hegemony, and the video argues that Western powers are repeating mistakes by failing to acknowledge the changing global landscape.
• The concept of the Eurasian Heartland thesis and its historical application by Britain and now the US to sow chaos and prevent the rise of Eurasian powers is discussed, with a focus on preventing an alliance between Russia, Iran, and China.
• The illusion of escalation control is highlighted as a critical danger, with past limited wars escalating into full-scale conflicts, and Venezuela is identified as a potential flashpoint with the risk of wider regional involvement.