Thread by @fn_fernandez

1/ A fascinating presentation by General David Petraeus unfolded today at the Qatar Economic Forum's panel: "Return of the Multipolar World." His observations were both profound and timely, shedding light on the shifting global landscape. #QatarEconomicForum

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2/ "Once upon a time, we bathed in the serene waters of benign globalization," the General remarked nostalgically. "Now, the seas have become tempestuous. We find ourselves navigating choppy waves of change." #Geopolitics

3/ Turning to the Eastern horizon, Petraeus noted the friction between China and the West as the most crucial issue of our era. But he dismissed the notion of 'decoupling' as impossible, reminding us of last year’s record-breaking US-China trade volumes. #ChinaWestRelations

4/ The key, he argued, lies not in disentangling intertwined economies but in "de-risking." The goal must be to maintain connections while mitigating possible threats or harms. A balanced perspective, certainly. #Globalization

5/ On the issue of Taiwan, the General remained confident: an invasion is improbable. The challenge for the US and its allies is to ensure a palpable presence in the Indo-Pacific region without stirring the pot unnecessarily. #Taiwan

6/ He turned next to Ukraine and Russia, a narrative he depicted in somber strokes. "Orban is mistaken. Ukraine will illustrate what occurs when well-trained, well-equipped troops stand their ground." #Ukraine

7/ Petraeus highlighted Russia's severe losses, equating them to those sustained during a decade-long struggle in Afghanistan, but now compressed into mere months. The scales of the conflict, he suggested, are shifting. #Russia

8/ The General anticipated a novel Ukrainian offensive this year: "Braced by additional forces, new brigades, this year's battle will differ significantly from the last." His eyes reflected a hard-earned respect for Ukraine's tenacity. #UkrainianOffensive

9/ "Russia," he remarked, "has been on the losing end of most battles." A bold statement, suggesting that Ukraine's steadfastness is beginning to tilt the balance of power. #RussiaUkraine

10/ Speaking on Ukraine’s resilience, he expressed certainty: "Ukrainians will prove to Putin that they cannot be out-endured." A somber reminder that determination often outweighs raw power. #UkrainianStrength

11/ The General called the Ukraine-Russia conflict the "clearest case of right vs. wrong that we've seen in our lifetime." His words rang with the resonance of moral conviction. #RightVsWrong

12/ Regarding Russia's economy, Petraeus was clear: "Sanctions have set it back by at least a decade." Economic measures, it seems, have left a deep impact on Russia's fiscal landscape. #Sanctions

13/ The General also shed light on the China-Russia relationship, dispelling the myth of limitless partnership. "China," he remarked, "does not view Russia as an equal." A interest insight into the complex dynamics of global politics. #ChinaRussia

14/ He referenced Kissinger's recent reversal of stance: "Even he now believes that Ukraine should join NATO." A significant shift in thinking, indicating the changing tides of diplomacy. #NATO

15/ "The European border has moved eastward," Petraeus concluded. He added, wryly, "Putin has inadvertently made NATO great again. The other irony is that no one has stirred Ukrainian nationalism more than Vladimir Putin himself." #Putin

16/16 It was indeed an enlightening panel at the Qatar Economic Forum, and a reminder that understanding and navigating these changes is crucial for our global future. #QatarEconomicForum #MultipolarWorld