Ukraine war is likely to shape the rest of the 21st century

That ancient Greek, Heraclitus, was surely correct when he wrote over 2,000 years ago that: "War is the father of all things." No matter which way the Ukraine war ends, its outcome is likely to shape our future for the rest of this century. If Russia is seen to win, authoritarian regimes worldwide will be emboldened, including Xi Jinping's recently restated ambition to take Taiwan by force, if necessary. This possibility will move closer, as will a direct confrontation between the West and China. If Ukraine wins, then Putin's 20-year dictatorial reign is almost certainly over, and Russia will begin…