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Contemporary International System Analysis

Decent Essays

The contemporary international system is one of multipolarity, leaning towards non-polarity. The conclusion of the Cold War saw the international system shift from one motivated by ideology to one motivated by strategy — an underlying feature of multipolarity. A multipolar system exhibits a ‘balance of power’ mechanism, in which many states ally to maintain power, without a single force dominating. The current international system exhibits all of the key characteristics of a multipolar system — multiple nation-states of influence, alliances which shift on the basis of power and stability, and international decisions made primarily for strategic terms. Facilitated by the advent of globalisation, non-state actors possess an unprecedented level of economic, military, and cultural influence. Their expanded influence in the international system has helped shift it from the bipolarity of the Cold War era. The advent of globalisation has also introduced a real-time effect into international relations which has permanently altered the interactions between state and non-state actors, and the influence they have on the world.

The primary characteristic distinguishing the contemporary international system from past international systems, and contributing to its description as a multipolar system, is the extensive role played by non-state actors. Polarity in the international system is identified on the basis of how many states hold economic, military, and cultural influence, with

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