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Polarity: system polarity refers to the number of blocs of states that exert power in the international system. There are three types of polarity:
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o Bipolar systems are very difficult to regulate formally, since neither uncommitted states nor international organizations are able to direct the behavior of either of the two blocs. Informal regulation may be easier. Realists disagree over how stable a bipolar system is.
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o Theoretically, in multipolar systems, the regulation of system stability ought to be easier than in bipolar systems. Under multipolarity, numerous interactions take place among all the various parties, and thus there is less opportunity to dwell on a specific relationship or to respond to the arms buildup of just one party in the system.
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Advocates of unipolarity, known as hegemonic stability theorists, claim that unipolarity leads to the most stable system. The hegemon enforces norms and ensures the continuation of the system. However, when the hegemon loses power and declines, then system stability is jeopardized.
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· Realists and internationals change
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o Changes in either the number of major actors or the relative power relationship among the actors may result in a change in the international system. Wars are usually responsible for changes in power relationships, such as at the end of World War II.
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o Exogenous changes may also lead to a shift in the system. Advances in technology and the advent of nuclear warfare are examples of such change.
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o In the view of realists, international systems can change, yet the inherent bias among realist interpretations is for continuity.
III. The International System According to Liberals The international system is not central to the view of liberalism. Liberals have three different conceptions of the international system:
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§ Changes occur as the result of exogenous technological developments, such as communication and transportation systems.
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§ Change may occur because of changes in the relative importance of different issue areas, such as the increasing focus on economic issues, human rights, and the environment.
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§ Change may occur as new actors, including multinational corporations and nongovernmental organizations, augment or replace state actors.
Radicals seek to describe and explain the structure of the international system in terms of stratification, the uneven division of resources among different groups of states. From the stratification of power and resources comes the division between the haves, characterized as the North, and have-nots, positioned in the South. Economic disparities are built into the structure, and all actions are constrained by it.
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• Advantages
• Disadvantages
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