The spectacle that unfolded in Beijing recently was unlike any other military parade the world has seen. China, to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, staged its most elaborate display of military might, showcasing hypersonic missiles, advanced drones, cyberwarfare divisions, and an arsenal that left no doubt about its ambitions to be seen as a global military superpower.
What truly defined this moment, however, was not the weaponry rolling across Tiananmen Square, but the rare gathering of leaders who stood shoulder to shoulder. Xi Jinping hosted Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, with Iran regime's President Masoud Pezeshkian also in attendance -- all creating a tableau that symbolized far more than a military tradition. This was not simply an anniversary parade; it was a declaration of intent by a coalition of states that reject the Western-led order and seek to replace it with an authoritarian alternative.
The symbolism could not have been more striking. Three nuclear-armed states—China, Russia, and North Korea—stood together, while Iran, long seeking nuclear capabilities, joined them on the same platform, demonstrating a shared message to the world: that they are building an alliance strong enough to challenge the United States, Europe, and their allies. Each nation has its own motivations—Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, China's determination to push back against American influence in Asia, North Korea's pursuit of legitimacy and resources, and Iran regime's ideological mission to spread Islamic governance and authoritarian control across the world. When seen together, the gathering represented the closest thing yet to the formation of a new bloc: one that might aim to construct an entirely new world order defined not by democracy, but by coercion, censorship, and force.
The timing and context made the event even more significant; The parade followed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, where these same leaders had already met to promote their vision of the world. In both settings, their words and actions underlined a consistent theme: the Western-led international system has had its time, and now must give way to a new era where authoritarian powers set the rules. Xi Jinping used his platform to insist that "The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable," and that no "bully"—a barely veiled reference to the United States and its allies -- could slow its progress. The rhetoric echoed decades of grievances but, placed in the setting of this vast military display, it sounded more like the proclamation of a strategy.
For Russia, the parade offered much-needed solidarity at a time when its war in Ukraine remains a grinding and costly campaign. Putin stood proudly next to Xi and Kim, as if trying to show the world that, despite international sanctions and condemnation, more than a million killed in the war and a tenuous economy, Moscow is far from isolated. North Korea has already been a supplier of ammunition and manpower to aid Russia's military, openly casting aside the international restrictions placed on it. In return, Moscow provides Pyongyang with diplomatic recognition and avenues to bypass economic isolation. China plays a crucial role in this triangle by buying its oil and helping Russia secure access to technology and markets, giving both Moscow and Pyongyang room to maneuver. Iran's presence added yet another layer. While Iran's regime does not yet possess nuclear weapons, its government has openly supported Russia's war in Ukraine with drones and military cooperation, while Iran's ideology remains focused on exporting Islamist authoritarianism across the Middle East and beyond. The inclusion of Tehran in this Beijing spectacle seemed intended to show showed that this emerging alliance is not merely about military support, but also about aligning authoritarian models of totalitarian governance against democratic norms.
For decades, authoritarian regimes such as Russia, China, and North Korea sought to secure themselves individually; now, they appear to be converging in an open and public manner. Their leaders are showcasing their confederation at grand international events. By marching together, they are sending a message that they are capable of forming an enduring alliance, one that combines military strength, economic interdependence, and ideological alignment. U.S. President Donald Trump responded to the parade with a cutting remark on social media: "Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un as you conspire against the United States of America." His words, though sarcastic, captured the essence of what many in Washington might have been trying to deny: that these leaders were, indeed, conspiring to weaken the West, undermine its alliances, and gradually construct an alternative system of global governance.
The underlying question now is whether this emerging authoritarian alliance will continue as a symbolic partnership or evolve into a coordinated strategy with lasting global impact. Dismissing these events as mere theater would be irresponsible. Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine is a direct challenge to the stability of Europe –a challenge that that Iran and North Korea materially support. China, meanwhile, has been expanding its military footprint throughout the South China Sea and accelerating preparations for the possibility of a future confrontation with Taiwan. Together, these powers are testing the limits of Western resolve. They are also watching closely to see whether the United States, Europe, and their allies respond with hesitation or with strength.
History provides a sobering lesson: appeasement in the face of authoritarian aggression rarely prevents conflict. Israel's recent refusal to submit to Iranian-backed Hamas aggression shows what strength and resilience can achieve. The Iranian regime miscalculated in expecting that fear and diplomacy would paralyze its target. Instead, the regime faced a determined resistance that disrupted its plans, as well as demolishing "trillions of dollars" of investments in nuclear weapons plants.
On the wider international stage, if the West chooses weakness or endless "table meetings" that go nowhere, it emboldens those who openly seek to undermine the global order. If, however, the West adopts a strategy of "peace through strength"—and imposes strict secondary sanctions, military deterrence, and clear lines of defense -- the chances of deterring this authoritarian axis increase significantly.
China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran are no longer operating as distant or disconnected powers with coincidental interests. They are aligning publicly, celebrating their unity, and preparing to test the strength of the current international system. They appear fully aware of what they are doing and why they are doing it: namely, to reshape the world into one where their authority dictates the rules, freedom is suppressed, and sickly, hesitating democracies are dismantled as they deserve to be.
The world has entered the hour of choice: Will Western nations deter this authoritarian quartet with unity and strength, or will they fall back on illusions that "diplomacy" – talking long enough -- can contain belligerent ambitions?
The parade in Beijing offered a warning: against determined authoritarian powers, only resolve will suffice.
Dr. Majid Rafizadeh, is a political scientist, Harvard-educated analyst, and board member of Harvard International Review. He has authored several books on the US foreign policy. He can be reached at dr.rafizadeh@post.harvard.edu
