“The Threatening ‘Fatal Quartet’ to the West: Which are the 4 Countries to Fear?”

The “Deadly Quartet” Threatening the West

The term was coined by former NATO chief George Robertson: there is a “deadly quartet” threatening the West, forcing a reflection on the balance of power among nations.
Following the recent NATO summit which highlighted the threats posed by Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, geopolitics and defense experts have urgently alerted the West to the need to prepare to face these adversaries.

In an interview with Sky News, Robertson stated: “we are facing a deadly quartet of nations that are increasingly cooperating”.
Although not explicitly naming the members of this dangerous alliance, it is believed that, in addition to China, the other three countries are Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
The global political landscape is extremely delicate and complex, with growing concerns of wars and increased commercial and political conflicts.

Understanding the “Deadly Quartet” Threat

The use of the term “deadly” is primarily an allusion to China, given its role as a significant player in Russia’s war in Ukraine.
In the NATO summit declaration, China was described as a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s actions in Ukraine and as posing “systemic challenges to Euro-Atlantic security”.
Concerns include harmful and prolonged cyber and hybrid activities, as well as worries about Beijing’s nuclear arsenal diversification and space capabilities.

Russia and North Korea deny arms transfers, while Iran claimed to have supplied drones to Russia before the war began.
The recent NATO summit has displayed a positioning reminiscent of a new Cold War between the West and its opponents.

Can the West Overcome its Enemies?

Can the West effectively confront these adversaries? While Russia, North Korea, and Iran are already under international sanctions, the constraints have possibly pushed them closer together.
Labeling China as a primary rival signals a significant shift for NATO, but strategies to counter this united power axis remain unclear.

Despite challenges, the West’s economic superiority could be an advantage.
Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Berenberg Bank, emphasized that the West’s economic strength could help prevail, as opponents strain their economies by engaging in conflicts.
Global challenges are testing the once-solid Western world, but a united front could lead to success in the face of these epochal adversities.