The Multipolar World Has Not Yet Formed, but Unipolarity No Longer Dominates

The events of the late 20th and early 21st centuries predetermined the fate of the existing modern system of international relations among the nations of the world and contributed to the formation and further development of a new architecture of the world order. The time in which we live has become a period of history when there is a transition from a unipolar world order to a multipolar one. The concept of multimodality includes the interest of the so-called world majority in the formation of a world order that would take into account the interests of all countries, and also the determination of the leaders of this majority - including, undoubtedly, Russia, as well as China and a number of other countries to achieve this objective.  Some people are of the opinion that this is a more or less fair and harmonious concept compared to the unipolar one. Thus, according to this concept, the dominance of one power over the entire world is excluded, the danger of global war is reduced, and the possibilities for foreign policy choices and healthy competition between civilizations are expanded. This model assumes the presence of many centers of power (political, military, economic and cultural), comparable in their capabilities and not seeking to influence each other through violence or deception, in contrast to the model of a unipolar world.

But the question is, how realistic and feasible is such a concept? Given this scenario, it is worth noting that this process has already begun and is gaining momentum from year to year, forming a new look of the world order, where the number of countries supporting or sympathizing with this process is constantly increasing. These are mainly those countries that for many years did not agree with the existing world order, considering it neither fair nor effective. Given these perceptions, their national interests may not have been taken into consideration. Furthermore, the only great power reigned, mainly the USA, which over the past 30 years after the collapse of the USSR have been the only world superpower (superpower). Now, it turns out, they want to change the existing world order and build a new system of international relations that meets the realities of the modern world.

          Is the era of the United States (superiority) as the sole hegemon and global superpower over?   In our opinion, it is still too early to talk about this phenomenon as an accomplished historical fact. The US continues to be a great power/superpower, but it is no longer the only one. The point is that today's world is no longer American-centric, and it can no longer remain as such. New players of international importance such as Russia and China, whose growing influence has long and noticeably gone beyond the regional scale, have begun to enter the world arena of international relations and operate quite successfully. Of course, the process of formation of both Russia and China as new superpowers is still ongoing, and the final expected result here depends on many fundamental factors. But it should be noted that both Russia and China have already become noticeable and recognized centers of political power of international importance.   Perhaps in the near future we will witness the formation of other centers of political power in such dynamically developing countries as Brazil, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, etc., which are already leading actors of regional importance.

         Based on facts described above, the following conclusions can be drawn:

1. Transition period:

  The world system of international relations is experiencing a transition period from a unipolar to a multipolar world. Many experts agree that the previous model of dominance by one superpower, the United States, is no longer relevant;

2. Role of the USA:

  While the US remains an important global power, it is no longer the sole hegemon. New centers of power such as China and Russia are beginning to play a significant role on the world stage;

3. The emergence of new centers of power:

  In addition to Russia and China, countries such as Brazil, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkey are also developing their strength as regional and potentially global actors, and further increasing the multiplicity of the world;

4. Interests of the world majority:

  According to many analysts, the concept of multiparty emphasizes the importance of taking into account the interests of all countries, and not just the leading powers. This leads to a more just and harmonious system of international relations;

5. Reduction of global war:

  A multipolar world implies a reduced risk of global war due to a more balanced distribution of forces and more opportunities for diplomatic solutions;

6. Healthy competition:

  Healthy competition arises between civilizations and political systems, which contributes to progress and development in the international arena;

7. New economic and cultural centers:

  Multipolarity also includes the development of new economic and cultural centers, which promotes a more equal distribution of wealth and cultural exchanges between countries;

8. Political power:

  Recognition of new political centers of power such as China and Russia is an important aspect of a multipolar world. These countries are actively working to strengthen their international influence;

9. Formation process:

  The formation of a multipolar world continues, and the final results depend on many factors, including the economic, military and diplomatic efforts of new and old players on the world stage;

10. Favorite countries:

  The number of countries supporting the concept of multipolarity continues to grow. These countries strive for a fair system of international relations that takes into account their national interests;

Thus, in our opinion, the new multipolar world is still in its formation stage, and the unipolar one is no longer the only form of the system of international relations of the modern world. The world is on the path to a more complex and balanced system of international relations, where influence is distributed more evenly among various centers of power. This means that we are witnessing the emergence of a new architecture of the world order.

Shamsiddin Karimov,

 Doctor of Political Sciences

Chief Researcher

Department for US and Canadian Studies

Institute of Studying of Problems

of Asian and European Countries

National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan