Mark Leonard sees a "last-man-standing" mindset in politics. It is true that some leaders are under "so much political and economic stress that their only hope is that their rivals collapse before they do." They seek to "cling to power while exploiting rivals’ internal weaknesses."

The author highlights the reckless behaviour of Russia, Saudi Arabia and China, which has had a huge impact on geopolitics. What is interesting is that these countries are autocracies, that lack the checks and balances to limit their leaders' domestic powers. In times of economic hardships, and in an effort to avoid social unrest and popular uprising, autocrats try to distract citizens from their grievances by diverting their attention to other issues abroad. They create a geopolitical crisis somewhere and stoke nationalism at home. However they often underestimate the vagary of their unilateral actions, which sometimes backfire.

Putin's "adventurism" is no doubt a "prime example" for his "domestic weakness." In the run-up to his re-election in 2012, Russia was gripped by the biggest anti-government protests since Soviet times. Rights activists had been jailed or otherwise marginalised, allowing him to rule with an iron grip. But it was the conflict in Ukraine erupted in November 2013, which inspired him to annex Crimea in March 2014. This aggression has since hurt Russia's economy, but not Putin's popularity. It explains why Russians are willing to put up with sanctions and economic hardships, for which they hold the West responsible. Putin seeks to destabilise the EU, by supporting far-right parties, and hopping for Britain's exit from the EU etc. He also plays a crucial role in bolstering the Assad regime in Syria and adding fuel to the sectarian fire in the region, alienating the US-led coalition forces. Putin does it all in an effort to have Western sanctions lifted, and to send a message that Russia is a global player to be reckoned with. But he has failed to realise that even without sanctions Russia will not be able to become an economic superpower. The country needs political and economic reforms. He may hang onto power for a while at home, but on the international stage, there is no way that he will be the "last man standing."

Saudi Arabia's reluctance to reduce its oil production in order to push up oil prices has taken a toll on its revenues. However it is determined to eliminate political and economic rivals, like preventing Iran from benefiting from the lifting of sanctions, and putting American companies in shale-energy industry out of business. It remains to be seen which of the two - Iran or Saudi Arabia - would emerge as the "last-man standing," because Iran's democratically elected leaders are keen on moving forward, while it doesn't seem to be the case in Saudi Arabia.

The author says China aspires to overtake the US as the world's largest economy, hoping that a weakening America would allow Beijing to re-assert control in Asia. While in Washington "Congress has been gridlocked on domestic reforms," Beijing has to grapple with a myriad of daunting challenges - to reform its economy based on state-capitalism, improve the environment, eradicate corruption, close the wealth gap and provide for good public services etc. China's territorial disputes with various littoral countries in the East and South China Seas aim to divert the domestic public's attention from economic woes and other problems. President Xi has concentrated power in his hands, stifling voices critical of him and the one-party rule, making him the most powerful leader since Mao Zedong. Yet it is still uncertain whether he would be the "last man standing" vis-à-vis the 1,3 billion Chinese.