SSU Forum/GraSPP Research Seminar “A New Axis of Upheaval: North Korea, Russia, China, and Iran. Why Should We Care?”

  • Date：
    Mon, Mar 30, 2026
  • Time：
    10:30-12:00
  • Location：
    Lecture Room B, 4F International Academic Research Building, UTokyo Hongo campus
    MAP
  • Host：

    Security Studies Unit (SSU), Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI)
    Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP), The University of Tokyo (UTokyo)

  • Language：

    English only (Japanese simultaneous translation not available)

  • Registration：

    Please be sure to sign up from registration form below.

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Registration
Abstract

Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine has deepened cooperation between North Korea, Russia, China, and Iran, albeit highly unequally. Most strikingly, Russia and North Korea have revived their Cold War partnership to a level beyond that of the Cold War: both sides now call each other “allies”, having signed a mutual defence pact whilst exchanging arms, missiles, and tens of thousands of North Korean troops. At the same time, Beijing continues to enable Moscow’s war and shield Pyongyang from sanctions, all the while Tehran supplies drones and other materiel. Is this alignment merely transactional or is the foundation of a new ‘axis of upheaval’ emerging? This book argues that although shared opposition to the US-led international order binds these states, divergent interests mean that a formalised strategic alliance looks to be unlikely. Yet, it would be naïve and dangerous to overlook the evolving ties between these countries—for the sake of both East Asian and global security.

Panelist

Speaker: Edward Howell, Lecturer in International Relations, University of Oxford
Commentator: Hisanori Tomizawa, Manager, PwC Intelligence
Moderator:Yee Kuang HENG, Professor at GraSPP/Director of SSU, UTokyo