Robert Shines

Robert Shines is an Analyst with the Foreign Policy Association where he writes blogs on foreign policy analysis. He is also a Senior Analyst and Editor with Global Risk Insights, a publication providing analysis on political risk & geopolitics. Additionally, he is a Writer for Geopoliticalmonitor Intelligence Corporation, an international intelligence publication which provides comprehensive geopolitical analysis. Having previously consulted in Ukraine, his area of focus is U.S.-Russia relations. He received his MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management with a focus on U.S.-China relations.

US Exceptionalism Has No Place in a Multipolar World

Abstraction of US Exceptionalism, Generated by Google Gemini AI on August 8, 2025. All flags, maps, and likenesses contained within this image are not necessarily accurate representations of reality.

The geopolitical order is changing, and Washington should take heed.

Balancing Russia in the Pacific No Easy Task for Washington

cc Naval Surface Warriors, modified, https://www.flickr.com/photos/navalsurfaceforces/27775746174/

The U.S., if not careful, could find itself fighting two wars in the Asia Pacific.

The South China Sea War is Already Over

cc Flickr Official U.S. Navy Page, modified, SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 13, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) conducts routine operations in the South China Sea, May 13, 2020. Gabrielle Giffords, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brenton Poyser/Released)200513-N-WP865-0237

The South China Sea is a core interest for China; the same can’t be said for the United States.

Missiles Just the Latest Chapter in the South China Sea Saga

140927-N-GW918-230 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sep. 27, 2014) The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group transiting the Surigao Strait in the Philippines as seen from the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52). Bunker Hill is deployed as part of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations, strike operations in Iraq and Syria as directed, and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class LaTunya Howard/Released)

The United States’ ‘Freedom of Navigation Operations’ might risk triggering another Gulf of Tonkin-like incident in the South China Sea.

For US and Russia, All Roads Lead to China

Generated by Google Gemini AI on August 7, 2025. All flags, maps, and likenesses contained within this image are not necessarily accurate representations of reality.

Economic engagement with China is a must for both Russia and the United States, regardless of the wax and wane of East-West rivalry.

Japan Dreams of a Chinese Energy Chokehold

Abe at a Russia-Japan business summit in 2016; modified, cc kremlin.ru : http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/53477

The Japanese government is seeking allies in a bid to balance against a rising China.

NATO Expansion: Lessons Not Learned

Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, walks with Vice Adm. John N. Christenson, U.S. Military Representative, NATO Military Committee, at NATO headquarters in Brussels, May 15, 2018. DoD photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Dominique A. Pineiro - https://www.defense.gov/observe/photo-gallery/igphoto/2001917843/

NATO hasn’t learned any lessons from its past missteps on eastward expansion.

The Turkish Tail Wags the NATO Dog

Erdogan, cc Flickr AMISOM Public Information, modified, https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

Ankara’s vision of a “Turkic World” is behind the downing of Russia’s Su-24.

The Kuril Islands: Power Projection and Resource Protection

Generated by Google Gemini AI on August 7, 2025. All flags, maps, and likenesses contained within this image are not necessarily accurate representations of reality.

The disputed Kuril Islands have a key role in Putin’s vision of an empowered Russia.

Russia’s Sino-Japanese Balancing Act

cc kremlin.ru, modified, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vladimir_Putin_and_Xi_Jinping,_BRICS_summit_2015_01.jpg

For strategic and economic reasons, Japan is truly the preferred Russian partner in Asia.

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