According to Robert D. Kaplan in his book "The Return of Marco Polo's World," both Russia and China operate under authoritarian regimes, which makes their political landscape highly sensitive to loss of prestige. For leaders in these dictatorships, appearing weak or conceding in conflicts can lead to severe consequences, both domestically and internationally. This situation creates a scenario where they may feel compelled to maintain a confrontational stance, making any negotiated peace significantly more challenging.

As a result, the United States may find itself in a prolonged state of conflict, as it grapples with the implications of these authoritarian powers. The potential for regime change or a notable decrease in military capabilities is crucial for establishing a more stable global environment. Kaplan emphasizes that the dynamics of power and governance in these nations necessitate a vigilant and strategic approach from American leadership to address and mitigate ongoing tensions.