Do you think the world is unipolar, bipolar or multipolar? Explain with example.
The world is unipolar, bipolar or multipolar? Explain with example. In the light of power distribution among states, the discipline of International Relations introduces three international systems: unipolarity, bipolarity, and multipolarity. The relative power of states, which can be defined as the ability to influence others’ actions, determines their hierarchical position in the international arena. The presence of a single superpower demonstrates a unipolar system whereas the rivalry between two superpowers indicates a bipolar system. Finally, the existence of many great powers represents a multipolar system. Despite the ongoing debate on these systems’ durability and stability, this paper suggests that analyzing these systems as a repeating cycle would be more convenient.
Do
you think the world is unipolar, bipolar or multipolar? Explain with example.
Unipolarity is a position in which one state is superior to
others in terms of power as it possesses a significant part of resources. In a
unipolar system, existence of multiple states is possible, however, the hegemon
has no challengers in the international arena. This is because the hegemon has
a level of power that other states cannot match even if by banding together.
The position of the United States in the post-Cold War period is an example of
unipolarity. With the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
(USSR), the bipolar system was disrupted due to the absence of competition
between the US and USSR as two poles. As a result, the United States became the
hegemon, owning the largest economic, political, and military resources.
According to some scholars, especially proponents of the Hegemonic Stability
Theory, the unipolar system is the most stable and durable system that can
endure peace. After the Cold War, the raw power advantage of the United States
means that an important source of conflict in previous systems is absent:
hegemonic rivalry over leadership of the international system because no other
major power is in a position to follow any policy that depends for its success
on prevailing against the United States in a war or an extended rivalry
(Wohlforth, 1999, p. 8). This indicates that since the major powers will not be
willing to challenge the hegemon, and the hegemon has the resources to direct
any conflict among them, unipolar systems tend to be more durable and peaceful.
Do
you think the world is unipolar, bipolar or multipolar? Explain with example.
Do you think the world is unipolar, bipolar or multipolar?
Explain with example.
Bipolarity is a system of international order in which two
competing powers control the global economic, military, and political relations
as the other states choose to ally with one of them. In this system, the
international order is based on the rivalry and conflict between the two
superpowers. The Cold War era, when global affairs were shaped according to the
dynamics between US and USSR, is a commonly used example of a bipolar system.
Kenneth Waltz emphasizes the durability and stability of a bipolar system by
saying that “Unbalanced power, whoever wields it, is a potential danger to
others” (Waltz, 2000, p.28). During the Cold War, the actions and alliances of
the US and USSR balanced each other in terms of their ability to influence,
therefore, imposing restrictions on the motives of one another and the
remaining states.
Do
you think the world is unipolar, bipolar or multipolar? Explain with example.
Multipolarity refers to a power distribution in which more
than two equally powerful states contend for dominance. In this system, states
can adjust their relationship by their own will. Throughout history, the
multipolar system was the most frequently occurring ones. The Concert of Europe
from 1814 to 1914, in which the great powers of Europe managed to preserve the
status quo. According to scholars such as Hans Morgenthau, multi-polar systems
are more stable than other polarity forms, since the major powers can benefit
power through alliances and small wars that do not directly challenge other
powers (Tomja, 2014, p. 60). Great powers’ hierarchical position might change
over time, however, in the presence of equal powers, like in the case of the
Concert of Europe, no state can take the risk to challenge others. Therefore,
the tendency to keep the status quo increases, which is resulting in stability
and durability. Do you think the world is unipolar, bipolar or multipolar?
Explain with example.
In terms of International Relations, stability can be defined
as the likelihood of a system to preserve all of its defining features without
a massive armed conflict whereas durability means the ability of a system to
exist in the presence of pressure. It is a fact that all three systems have
distinct advantages and disadvantages. However, rather than focusing on
stability and durability, it would be more pertinent to evaluate the way how
these systems reproduce each other. States’ economic, military, political, and
social capabilities determine their power and hierarchical position in the international
arena. Since the flow of capital and distribution of power among states change
over time, the hierarchical order shifts as well.
Do
you think the world is unipolar, bipolar or multipolar? Explain with example.
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