Four nations—China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea—are acting as a strategically aligned bloc that could overwhelm U.S. defenses by forcing the nation to confront multiple crises simultaneously, according to a new book from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). The report, titled "Axis of Aggressors: Countering the Cooperation of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea," examines the multifaceted support these authoritarian governments provide each other across military, economic, cyber, and technology sectors. While not a formal alliance with a unified command or mutual defense commitments, the authors argue its practical effects are evident in ongoing global conflicts.
Retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, one of the book's authors, stated that Ukraine is currently contending with Russia, North Korea, Iran, and China. He highlighted North Korea's provision of ammunition and troops, Iran's supply of drones and expertise, and China's economic and technological backing for Russia's defense industry, including the provision of microelectronics used in advanced missiles.
The FDD report documented 616 instances of security cooperation among the four nations between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2025. This cooperation includes arms transfers, weapons development, military exercises, intelligence sharing, and military exchanges.
The 'Simultaneity Problem'
The central danger identified by the report is the "simultaneity problem," where the U.S. must address multiple crises concurrently rather than in isolation. Montgomery suggested that the U.S. may be unable to handle two concurrent problems, let alone three or four. For example, during a potential conflict between China and Taiwan, North Korea could simultaneously threaten South Korea or engage in limited attacks to tie down U.S. forces. Similarly, a conflict involving Russia and NATO could be accompanied by Iranian-backed terrorism or other hostile actions.
Interconnected Military and Economic Ties
The report identifies the military cooperation between China and Russia as the axis's most consequential bilateral relationship. China's dual-use products reportedly sustain Russia's defense industrial base, while Moscow shares technology and battlefield lessons that could benefit China in a Pacific conflict. North Korea has supplied Russia with millions of artillery rounds, ballistic missiles, and troops, with Russia reportedly assisting Pyongyang's missile, space, drone, and nuclear programs. Iran has provided Russia with drones and production knowledge, and the report warns that Russian and Chinese assistance could also help Iran rebuild military capabilities.
Economic ties are described as underpinning this military cooperation, creating what co-author Elaine Dezenski called a "fractured alignment." These nations are bound by necessity, with China needing energy and Russia and Iran seeking buyers for their oil and gas. China purchases discounted Russian and Iranian energy, providing goods, technology, and market access in return. The report notes that China buys as much as 95% of Iran's oil exports, with some sanctioned oil being rerouted through third countries and processed by Chinese refineries.
Emerging Financial and Cyber Networks
Dezenski also raised concerns about China, Russia, and Iran developing payment systems outside traditional Western banking infrastructure. Increased trade settlement in yuan through China's Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) could diminish Washington's ability to enforce sanctions through the dollar system.
Furthermore, the report highlights a blurring line between criminal hackers and government operatives in these four countries. They are noted for outsourcing cyber operations to criminal groups, fostering inter-group networking. Examples include Iranian cybercriminals collaborating with Russian ransomware groups, Chinese actors on Russian dark-web forums, and shared operational infrastructure used by Russian and North Korean state-backed hackers.
Expert Assessments of the Threat
Outside experts echo the FDD's concerns. Carrie Filipetti, executive director of the Vandenberg Coalition, pointed to drone warfare as an example of how assistance moves between these nations, with Chinese components used in Iranian drones deployed by Russia. She also linked the relationship to the January 2024 Tower 22 attack in Jordan, which killed three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers, citing the use of an Iranian drone and Russian tactics.
Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Richard Newton stated that the increasing integration, synchronization, and coordination among these four adversaries pose a significant challenge to U.S. national security. He emphasized that the changing nature of warfare, as seen in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, has compounded the threat.
Retired Air Force Gen. Philip Breedlove, former NATO supreme allied commander, argued that the U.S. understates the severity of the confrontation, stating these nations are "at war with us" and seek to "diminish and defeat" American power. He noted that Russia's reliance on its allies is increasing as it struggles to sustain its war effort.
The authors recommend strengthening coordination with allies, expanding defense production, enhancing protection of U.S. critical infrastructure, and enforcing sanctions more aggressively. Dezenski specifically called for targeting the entire network supporting sanctioned Russian and Iranian oil, including refineries, ports, insurers, and financiers.