OPINION Vol.1, No.1 June 2013 - National Defence University

come to dominate the 21 st century in the economic dimensions of world order and the (re)enforcing of the
religion.
New Uni and Multi-Polar International Order
Moving Towards Geo-Economics
The current constellation of global forces and alliances is much less clear than it was in the
two previous stages. In this third stage, a world order which is multi-polar and uni-polar at the
same time is taking shape. It amounts to an a la carte menu which makes room for both old and
new powers as well as old and new alliances. The world is uni-polar in the military and political
spheres on account of the clear domination of USA, and multi-polar in all other facets of
international relations. The upcoming world economies of the BRICS-countries (Brazil, Russia,
India, China and South-Africa) up to now seem to follow an approach of pursuing geo-economics
while avoiding re-opening the existing conflicts, at least for the time being. China is following a
comprehensive approach towards national power. India is also pursuing geo economics while
simultaneously modernizing its military might for a more dominant and perceived global role.
Sanjaya Baru puts it: “India’s economic opening up in 1991 created the basis for India’s
re-integration with not just the global economy but also its own wider Asian neighbourhood. That
was the geopolitical and strategic consequence of India’s improved economic performance and
greater openness since 1991.India’s “Look East” and “Look West” policies were logical
consequences of her re-integration into the global economy. The geo-economic and geopolitical
consequences of the reforms of 1991 were not an accident. They were well understood at the time
based on an analysis of what had happened to the “closed” Soviet and Soviet-style economies in
the 1970s and especially 1980s, and the “open” economies of East Asia, including Dengist
China.”
Contemporary Political Order-Future Trajectories
Nothing dominates the current global political landscape more than the USA being the
sole Super Power. The US is currently the only country that has the military might which
influences global affairs and deploys military power across the globe. However, there are other
power centres such as China, EU and Russia. NATO also figures out at this power calculus. The
current uni-polarism has presented attendant consequences for the world. This has been seen in
unprecedented anti US sentiment around the globe. Conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and the US- Iran
debacle therefore reflect a current global political system which is becoming increasingly unstable
partly due to US unilateralism.
The New Hierarchy of International States
When considering the international state hierarchy, various terms continue to co-exist which have
not been clearly defined.
Superpower and Global/ Great Power. Besides quantifiable statistics, two components which
are more difficult to evaluate are prerequisites: first of all, an efficient diplomacy and foreign
policy capable of projecting power and, secondly, the perception and/or recognition of that status
of power by the world at large. This qualifies super power like USA or global/great power like
China, EU, and Russia etc. The other quantifiable data also allow us to single out a number of
influential countries by size, economic weight, growth, military capacity or their contribution to
the international system. Apart from these criteria, there are other factors which allow us to
reassess certain countries in the international hierarchy, even though these may not be great or
global powers, yet their importance is felt around the world for one reason or the other: above all,
the demand for energy, which justifies the international importance of Iran, Iraq and even Russia
in the international system. To a large extent, oil also explains Middle Eastern countries’ strategic
position in international politics. After all, a third of all “black gold” is produced in Arab states.
Another criterion is a country’s technological level, something which explains, amongst other
things, China’s economic success (electronics industry) and also India’s (software). Another more
recent element is the use of religion as a political instrument, justifying the international relevance
which countries like Israel, Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan have acquired in recent years.
Emerging Powers, Medium Size/Regional and Smaller Powers. In terms of quantifiable data,
China tops the list along with India and Brazil, in the hierarchy of international power. Other
OPINION Vol.1 No.1 45 June 2013