The axis alliance composed of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping, North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, and Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, each leading their respective countries, is driven by ideology. They use ideology to fulfill personal and national ambitions. However, due to their differing ideologies and goals, conflicts are inevitable, leading to the disintegration of the group.
Communist China, the Russian Federation, Socialist North Korea, and the Islamic Republic of Iran are forming an axis alliance aimed at opposing the United States and rewriting the Western-dominated international order. Xi, Putin, Kim, and Khamenei share several commonalities: they were not democratically elected, have no term limits, and wield absolute power in their own countries. These four nations have all experienced violent revolutions, with their leaders understanding the remote possibility of being ousted. This awareness effectively drives their authoritarian rule.
Compared to the former Soviet Union or the Axis Powers of World War II, a notable distinction of this modern group is that the four leaders do not share a common ideology.
Each claims to be a staunch defender of a particular ideology: Xi promotes Xi Jinping Thought and socialism, Putin advocates Russian nationalism (or extreme nationalism, Putinism), Kim upholds Juche ideology, and Khamenei maintains Islamic divine authority. While ideology influences their public rhetoric and policies, personal ambitions and goals often override genuine ideological commitments. Each leader tailors their ideology to suit national objectives, realizing their visions for the future of their countries and the world.
In theory, all of Xi’s actions should be motivated by communist or socialist ideology. However, the term “Socialism with Chinese Characteristics” marks a departure from strict ideology, aligning more with the goal of making China the world’s economic powerhouse. While the CCP retains the label of communism, Xi’s approach is more pragmatic, focusing on economic development, technological advancement, military strength, and strengthening state control. The narrative of “Socialism with Chinese Characteristics” legitimizes CCP rule, solidifying Xi’s absolute power. Xi’s drive appears more inclined toward consolidating his legacy as one of the three great leaders of the communist era, positioning himself alongside Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping and elevating China to a global superpower. Communist ideology becomes a tool for unifying the nation and justifying extensive state control and surveillance.
President Putin deeply reminisces about the Soviet Union, having served as a KGB officer in the Soviet government. He frequently incorporates elements of the Soviet Union and the Russian Empire in his speeches. Under Putin’s leadership, modern Russia lacks a coherent ideological framework like Soviet communism. Instead, Putin utilizes nationalism, anti-Western sentiment, and the notion of restoring Russia’s great power status to consolidate his rule and defend his policies. His primary goal seems to be maintaining his power and the stability of his regime. Ideological factors serve to strengthen this objective, fostering national pride and unity against external threats.
In North Korea, Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un’s rule is deeply rooted in the dynasty ideology established by his grandfather, Kim Il-sung. Kim Il-sung developed the Juche ideology and founded the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, a legacy continued by his father Kim Jong Il. Juche (or self-reliance) ideology and personality cult are crucial for maintaining regime stability and control. Kim Jong Un uses this ideology to legitimize his rule and ensure absolute loyalty from the military and elite class. His actions primarily aim to secure the survival and continuation of the regime.
In Iran, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while not solely motivated by dedication to the Islamic Revolution, might be more influenced by religious beliefs than Xi by socialism. These four leaders are not only heads of government but also ideological leaders of their respective countries. As Iran’s supreme religious authority, Khamenei is the highest leader of Iran, the guardian of the Islamic Revolution, determining the direction of the revolution. His policies and actions reflect commitments to theocratic governance and spreading Iranian revolutionary ideals. While religious ideology is central, Khamenei strategically uses it to garner public support, maintain internal control, and safeguard Iran’s regional ambitions. However, his personal ambitions and political survival are also significant motivators.
For Putin, Xi, and Kim, ideology often serves more as a tool to legitimize their rule and unite their populations rather than a true guiding principle. Khamenei, driven by religious faith, may genuinely adhere to ideology, yet even he utilizes ideology strategically to reinforce his authority. Overall, these four leaders adjust their ideological narratives based on personal and national goals to ensure regime stability and continuity. Ideology is undoubtedly secondary to the practical needs of retaining power, controlling the populace, and achieving long-term strategic objectives.
In conclusion, each leader believes their ideology is superior and seeks global or regional domination as governance objectives. However, the differences and conflicts in their ideologies imply that the ties between these countries cannot sustain, as their policy goals ultimately lead to mutual conflicts.