All articles tagged with #military power
Global Firepower's 2025 ranking places the US as the most powerful military, followed by Russia and China, with rankings based on assets, budget, geography, and resources; the list highlights technological advances and varying military capabilities across nations.
The article discusses a recent U.S. military strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat by the Trump administration, raising questions about the legality and scope of presidential military power, bipartisan reactions, and implications for U.S. foreign and domestic policy.
A Chinese aircraft carrier, Liaoning, was observed operating deeper into the Pacific Ocean than previously seen, near Japan's Minamitori Island, indicating China's expanding military reach and testing of combat capabilities, potentially challenging US and Japanese influence in the region.
China feels increasingly boxed in by the United States as President Biden strengthens security alliances with countries in China's vicinity, leading to Chinese suspicions of containment efforts. The recent trilateral summit between the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines aimed to project a united front against China's assertive behavior in the region, further intensifying pressure on China. With limited options to push back, China faces the challenge of balancing its military ambitions with the need to mend relations with neighboring countries for the sake of its economy.
Iran, despite being an outsider in the predominantly Arabic and Sunni Middle East, has managed to project its military power through support for over 20 armed groups. These groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Iraqi armed groups, and Syrian armed groups, receive various forms of support from Iran, such as weapons, training, and financial aid. Iran's influence has led to increased tensions with Israel and the United States, with recent conflicts in Gaza and Syria renewing fears of a broader war.
A top Ukrainian official hinted at the possibility of inviting Russia to a peace summit on Ukraine's terms, as Ukraine faces setbacks in its defense against Russia. The proposal comes after Russia dismissed a previous peace deal and as the war in Ukraine is predicted to continue beyond 2024. Ukrainian officials have blamed funding delays from the U.S. for their challenges, while Russian President Putin has pledged to further strengthen Russia's military capabilities.
A survey of 52 US experts conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies revealed doubts about China's ability to successfully invade Taiwan, with only 27% believing in Beijing's capability for an amphibious assault. The majority of experts expressed confidence in US military intervention in the event of an invasion, while also considering the possibility of China pressuring Taiwan through a quarantine or blockade. Pessimism looms for cross-strait relations in 2024, particularly following Taiwan's election of William Lai Ching-te as its new leader, sparking fears of heightened aggression from China.
Iran's defense minister, Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, declared that the country would not hold back on using its missile capabilities against enemies, following recent strikes on Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan. Ashtiani emphasized that Iran is a significant missile power and will respond proportionately, decisively, and toughly to any threats against the Islamic Republic. The strikes have raised concerns about further escalation in the already volatile Middle East region.
Former IDF soldier Benzi Sanders criticizes the Israeli government, calling their belief that military power against Hamas will bring safety to Israel a "catastrophic mistake."
The top US general, Mark Milley, believes that the war between Russia and Ukraine will end at the negotiating table, as neither side will be able to achieve their objectives through military power. Milley expressed concern over the difficulty for Ukraine to completely push Russian forces out of occupied territories and the enormous cost in blood and treasure. He believes that someone will eventually figure out how to get to a negotiating table, and that's where this thing will get settled out eventually.