China and Russia are increasing arms spending while the United States is cutting back. China is concentrating on protecting its regional interests; Russia on establishing a position as a nuclear superpower as a stand-off to the other two powers. While this does not amount to an arms race, it may have enormous consequences for world conflict in the years ahead.
THE UNITED States, China and Russia are often portrayed as taking part in a 21st century arms race, but the focus of their spending on weapons is to enhance their own security.
Each of the three major powers, though, has its own agenda.
The US last underwent a ...
