There has to be the rise of an “axis of evil” for geo-political consolidation
Nothing like that was happening even before the de-escalation
Discussion
I'm not sure about an "axis of evil". Evil is a religious term (yes I know that's controversial). Good, evil, or right, wrong are abstract movable cultural concepts.
What is happening is wealth and power are moving from the west to the east and as the west fails, so the underdog has less to loose and could start a fight once it senses failure.
Mike, my simple point is I don’t see any reason or chance of geopolitical consolidation. I used the term “evil” only as America uses it. I don’t see USA and Europe being on the same side against anyone