There is so much going on, I wonder who can even keep track anymore.

Lately, it's been accepted that Australia, Japan, North Korea etc., are "Western" countries. And Japan will still sit & dine at the NATO table.

So, geography/ race/ religion / size/ gender, aren't really a thing anymore.

I'd carefully say the relevant question is whether a country is a ( friend of) " democracy" or " autocracy".

But if an autocratic country has resources and is willing to " trade under the right conditions "; their status can be upgraded to acquaintant or a friend.

My 10 cents today.