Two years ago this month, a miracle seemed to be taking place. UkraineA country in Eastern Europe. It was invaded by Russia in February 2022. , somehow, was beating the Russians, months after being invaded by the bigger country in February 2022.

But last week, Russia struck back. In just a few days they have seized 100km of Ukrainian territory. Today, the US secretary of state is in Ukraine to give strong support as new American aid reaches the front line.

One politics expert says that should worry us all. Hal Brands claims what is happening in Ukraine is not a simple fight between two nations. It is a World War.

For years, enemies and rivals of the USA have stayed apart from each other. Iran, Russia, China, North KoreaA country formed in 1945 when Japanese-occupied Korea was split between a Communist government in the north and a capitalist one in the south. Today it is extremely reclusive, and hostile to the West. and VenezuelaAn oil-producing country in South America. all had different aims.

But when it seemed like Russia might lose the war, they united. Iran sent dronesDrones are aircraft flown with no humans on board. They are used for many different purposes. to the Russians. China helped it out with money. North Korea made a deal to supply its neighbour with weapons.

Bit by bit, the war has formed the anti-western countries into a united anti-western group.

And then there is the big unknown: the Global SouthA term increasingly used to describe less-developed countries, most of which are south of a line that separates, on different continents, the USA from Mexico, Europe from Africa, and Russia from central Asia and China.. The West, Russia and China all want to be alliesAn ally is someone that aligns with and supports a cause with another individual or group of people. with African countries.

So far the West is losing. Altogether, it means the West has less power around the world than ever before.

Is the wrong side winning?

Yes! The West is losing its power to shape world events. Russia is winning the war in Ukraine and other countries are now working together against the West.

No! Some people are speaking too soon. The USA is still the world's most powerful country. European countries are all working together. Nothing has changed.

Ukraine - A country in Eastern Europe. It was invaded by Russia in February 2022.

North Korea - A country formed in 1945 when Japanese-occupied Korea was split between a Communist government in the north and a capitalist one in the south. Today it is extremely reclusive, and hostile to the West.

Venezuela - An oil-producing country in South America.

Drones - Drones are aircraft flown with no humans on board. They are used for many different purposes.

Global South - A term increasingly used to describe less-developed countries, most of which are south of a line that separates, on different continents, the USA from Mexico, Europe from Africa, and Russia from central Asia and China.

allies - An ally is someone that aligns with and supports a cause with another individual or group of people.