The Yemen-based Houthi terrorists have caused global disruption to shipping routes by launching attacks on civilian ships in the Red Sea. It has been suggested by experts that Iran, China, and Russia are aligning as a new challenge to the West. The first two weeks of January saw the number of cargo ships passing through the Suez Canal drop to 150 from 400 the previous year. Shipping companies have consequently quadrupled the price of containers traveling from Asia to Europe. JP Morgan Chase predicts that global consumer prices for goods will rise an additional 0.7 percent if transportation disruptions persist.
It is widely believed that Iran has been sponsoring the Houthi terrorists, as they have confirmed having a relationship with Iran and benefiting from Iranian support. Houthi attacks on Red Sea ships are thought to be putting pressure on the international community. On the other hand, in October 2023, Iran supported Hamas terrorists in attacking Israel by funding and supplying weapons.
Simultaneously, Russia is continuing its assault on Ukraine, and China has also been threatening action regarding Taiwan alongside backing the Houthis. Iran, China, Russia, North Korea, and Venezuela are creating global chaos in an attempt to weaken the US and allied power structures. This has been showcased by various military and terrorist actions in different regions of the world.
North Korea has also become increasingly aggressive and threatening, even creating a new policy against peaceful unification with South Korea. Clearly, there are a now number of emerging threats posed by a loose geopolitical coalition.