Unipolar, bipolar or multipolar: new direction of the world.

Thesis statement: Multiple factors influence the direction of the world order. Currently, the world is
undergoing a transition from unipolarity to multipolarity, leading to disruptions..

Introduction:
1. What factors influence the world order?
1.1: Politically, the US's excessive and unapproved invasions in sovereign states prompted debate on
sovereignty
1.2: Democratically, pursuance of independent foreign policy by the states to shape diplomatic relations
based on its interests
1.3: Economically, the economic setback after COVID-19 thereby prompted a reevaluation of
independent economic policies
1.4: On the state level, the rise of populist nationalism contributes to the more adversarial political
environment
2. How is the world transitioning from unipolarity to multipolarity?
2.1: The resurgence of Russia in the artillery is undermining the US hegemony.
2.2: The economic resurgence of ASEAN is making Asian countries less Western dependent.
2.3: The expansion of BRICS leading to de-dollarization is challenging the Western hegemony.
2.4: The rise of China through trade and technology undermines the traditional dominance of the US.
2.5: India’s technological advancement is a significant challenge to the existing tech market of the US.
2.6: Japan's re-emergence as a foot-by-foot competitor of the US in the electrical industry.
2.7: The European Union's technological advancements are leading to increased competition by reshaping
the global landscape of technology.
2.8: The emergence of South Korea and Taiwan in the semiconductor industry is potentially impacting
the supply chain of the US and China.

3. What are the disruptions caused by this transition?

3.1: The rising tension among countries stemming from power preservation tactics employed by existing
powers, is leading to the eruption of conflicts.
3.2: The rapid technological advancement is severely impacting the job market in the transforming
economies.
3.3: The struggle for vital resources among existing and rising superpowers for power dominance is
resulting in ecological disruptions.
3.4: Divergent climate policies among superpowers disrupt global efforts to address climate change,
hindering collective environmental goals.
Conclusion:

World order represents the arrangements of power and authority that provide the framework for
the conduct of diplomacy and world politics on a global scale. The world order is influenced by
many characteristics. Currently, the world is undergoing a transformation where it can be seen
drifting from unipolarity to multipolarity. A multipolar world order is the most desirable order
due to its nature, which is the prevalence of democracy and stability around the world. However,
this shift is lined by challenges and disruptions. The 20th century marked a pivotal period in this
transition, with the catalyst for change being the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. The
pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the existing world order, prompting nations to reassess their
priorities and reevaluate their positions on the global stage. The United States, a historically
influential actor, found itself increasingly entangled in the internal affairs of other nations. This
interference led sovereign states to pursue independent foreign policies tailored to their interests
and the welfare of their people. Also, the rise of nationalism in the 20th century was seen as
ultimately contributing to the adversarial political environment. Nevertheless, this shift in world
order was observed with the uprising of Asia to break the chains of Western hegemony.
Followed by, the rise of Russia and China, which are considered arch-rivals by the United States.
Russia’s rise in the 19th century helped it to strengthen its roots in all sectors from artillery to the
IT industry it became independent. Followed by the rise of China which recognized itself from
its peacemaking ties with neighbouring countries through its ‘peace via trade policy’. Moreover,
an accelerated rise in small multi-laterals in Asia such as ASEAN and BRICS, was also observed
in the 19th and 20th centuries to minimise the western dependence. These multilaterals now
account for almost 50% of the world economy. Furthermore, this uprising of multilaterals is
leading to de-dollarization and is leading to change in the global economic landscape. Followed
by, the resurgence of the European Union to counter the rise of Asia. Similarly, in the realm of
science and technology power cannot reside in the hands of one single state. Multiple players
have entered the market of Information and technology, manufacturing of weapons,
semiconductors, AI-based programs etc. Emerging players such as India, South Korea and Japan,
the evident rising power of Global South are asserting dominance in the domain of IT and
manufacturing of semiconductors. Above all, the rise of the multipolar world order is
characterised by many disruptions and challenges. In particular, the acceleration of tension
among countries whose root cause is the power preservation tactics by the existing world powers
propels the world into a haphazard situation. Moreover, the clashes among rising and existing
superpowers over natural resources cause ecological disruptions. Industries such as
semiconductors, IT, and artillery impact the Earth's climate due to their high pace of operation.
In summary, the shift from unipolarity to multipolarity is fostering regional economic integration
on the economic front but is also accompanied by various disruptions and challenges. As this
complex transition navigates, the world grapples with the delicate balance between newfound
multipolarity and the potential consequences that accompany it.
The world order is influenced by many characteristics and it is deemed to change after a certain
period of time. According to Ibn-e-khaldoon theory of Rise and fall: ‘The sovereign powers are
like organisms they are born, they grow up, mature, and die’. World order is determined after a
war. Since WWII ended the United States became the world power and for a long period of time
the order of the world was unipolar. But now coming forward the World order is shifting towards
the multipolarity whose main derivatives are:
The United States has been a super power since almost one century. The US power maintenance
strategy is mostly based upon military interventions and interference in internal affairs of
countries. Whether in the name of terrorism or in the name of ‘protection of Washington's allies.
For instance: Invasion in Afghanistan 9/11, later which became the US longest conflict. Also,
airstrikes in Pakistan for the elimination of terrorists. According to the World Population Review
the US has invaded 84 out of 194 countries recognized by the United Nations. In fact, according
to historians Christopher Kelly and Stuart Laycock, the United States has been "militarily
involved" with every country on the globe but three: Andorra, Bhutan, and Liechtenstein. Since
the 19th century the countries started to take a stance against Washington's unapproved invasion
which is ultimately the attack on the sovereignty of an independent state. Furthermore, the Asian
countries started to work together to break the chains of Western hegemony. With the rise of
powers like China, India and resurgence of Russia the hold of Washington is decreasing.
The pursuit of an independent foreign policy enables sovereign states to establish cooperative
relationships with all major world powers. In response to the hegemonic nature of the United
States, many countries have begun to formulate independent foreign policies aimed at
safeguarding their national interests and sovereignty. For example, China's new foreign policy
law explicitly outlines its agenda to maintain a zero-compromise stance in protecting its
sovereignty from Western influence. Similarly, Pakistan has adamantly refused the use of its
airspace without prior permission and the establishment of US military bases on its soil. Since
the end of the Cold War, countries have been restructuring their foreign policies to break free
from Western hegemony and empower themselves. In summary, an independent foreign policy is
a crucial component for the functioning of any country and it influences the world order.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought about a global economic crisis, struck a
decade after the Global Economic Recession of 2008, just as the global economy was beginning
to recover. Notably, during emergencies, developing nations often turn to existing superpowers
for assistance. However, the impact of the pandemic was particularly severe on the United States
as well, with real gross domestic product (GDP) plummeting early in the crisis to 9 percent
below its pre-recession level. This decline was much steeper compared to the nearly 4 percent
drop observed during the depths of the Great Recession, which limited the United States'
capacity to assist other nations as it had previously. Consequently, a gap emerged, which China
swiftly filled by offering medical and economic support to affected countries during the
pandemic outbreak. This shift in assistance towards China ultimately led to a reevaluation of
global interests, undermining the influence of the United States. In a nutshell, the World order
greatly depends upon the economic outlook of the super power.
Further, The rise of populist nationalism which gained its momentum in late 18th century and
early 19th century on the state level has significant implications for the global world order,
contributing to a more fragmented and adversarial international landscape. As populist leaders
prioritise national interests over multilateral cooperation, pursue protectionist economic policies,
and challenge established democratic norms, it undermines the principles of international
cooperation, weakens global governance structures, and fosters mistrust and tensions between
nations. For instance: The election of Donald Trump in 2016 and his "America First" agenda
highlighted the resurgence of populist nationalism, characterised by anti-immigrant rhetoric,
scepticism towards international agreements, and a focus on trade protectionism. Therefore, This
shift away from collective action towards unilateralism and nationalism poses challenges to
addressing transnational issues such as climate change, terrorism, and global health crises,
ultimately reshaping the dynamics of the global world order.
The transitioning of the world is bounded by many characteristics, as described by Rupert
Murdoch ‘The world is changing very fast. Big will not beat small anymore. It will be the fast
beating the slow’. The transitioning of the world is influenced by many characters that is