In terms of strategic developments on the international arena, recent years were characterized
by a series of strategic changes: the Washington administration declared the US intention
to shift its military effort towards the Asia-Pacific region, in order to further maintain
its global strategic superiority. This intention was based on the perception of increasing
Chinese military capabilities in the region, and economic ones at the global level; China
continued to strengthen its economic position at the global level, simultaneously with the
identification of new energy resources, Russia reformed its military forces and France
reaffirmed its traditional position in Africa.