POLARITY

Polarity definition

The number of poles in a global power structure around which the dynamics of world politics revolved

Unipolar definition

A global power structure in which there is only one pole dominated by a single superpower

Hegemon definition

The dominant power in a unipolar world order

Bipolar definition

A global power structure in which there are two poles

Multipolar definition

A global power structure in which there are more than two poles

How is unipolarity a condition for world peace?

1. The hegemon benefits from global stability as a means of facilitating profitable trade

2. Can prevent other state from acquiring military power which may threaten world peace

3. Other states are less likely to instigate conflict with the hegemony as they are unlikely to succeed

Counter: what do liberals believe about polarity?

They believe it’s more likely to create conflict and instability

Why do liberals believe unipolarity creates conflict: hegemons desires

• Hegemons are unlikely to be benign, the desire for power given the security dilemma will make it become more predatory

Liberal argument;: proxy wars

Hegemon will engage in proxy wars to create military and strategic advantages. Regional instabilities may benefit them

Liberal argument: scarce resources

The hegemon may choose to engage in short term gain by exploiting resources of other countries. Catalyst for conflict

How do the two main powers act in a bipolar world?

They form alliances to create two main powers blocks

Realists: bipolar world view

Can lead to conflict as there a competition for global hegemony

May also lead to stability if the power of the two rivals remain coequal

Makes security and peace more precarious

Liberal: bipolar view

Likely to lead and conflict and war since there’s no other nation state that will be recognised by both states as a legitimate arbiter

Multipolar: realist view - military

Higher chance of conflict as each nation state possesses broadly similar economics and military capacity. Increases the likelihood of genuine rivalry

Multipolar: realist view - scarcity

Competition for resources become more intensive since no one nation state is able to lay claim to resources outside its territory

Multipolarity: liberal view - cooperation

Nation states have broadly similar economic and military capacity so cooperation as opposed to conflict is more likely to produce long term peace and security

Multipolar: liberal - enlightened self interest

Determines the rational calculation that prosperity for a nation state is best best achieved by mutual interdependence and cooperation between all nation states

What do liberals believe is the importance of cooperation?

It is a pragmatic imperative in a world of global interdependence

Why do liberals believe multipolarity will lessen the security dilemma?

As there’s a network of global interdependence