Part 3/8:

Emerging Threats and Strategic Challenges

The modern landscape presents significant challenges that threaten regional stability. Among these are:

• Strategic competition from China and Russia: China is identified as the primary pacing threat, actively extending its influence throughout the region through diplomatic engagement, informational campaigns, military presence, and economic initiatives. Its investments and projects—ranging from ports to space—pose risks to sovereignty and security, often with opaque or predatory motives.

• Russian influence: Moscow supports regimes like Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela through disinformation, military engagement, arms sales, and force protection efforts aimed at undermining U.S. leadership and regional stability.