Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 brought many things – the first major conflict in Europe since 1945, renewed fears of nuclear escalation and urgent questions about the size and strength of the Nato alliance.
But Vladimir Putin’s war also hastened a murkier partnership between China, Russia, Iran and North Korea – the so-called Crink countries. Through increased military, economic, political and technological cooperation, this marriage of convenience is enabling Russian aggression in Ukraine and poses profound risks to the rest of Europe – from attacks on its critical infrastructure to rampant disinformation campaigns.
Can Europe stop the ‘quartet of chaos’?
Russia, China, Iran and North Korea have formed a destructive partnership which isn’t just enabling Putin’s war in Ukraine, but could destabilize the rest of Europe, warns Armida van Rij.
