The Myth of Bipolarity: How to Understand Strategic Competition in a Globalized World

The aim of this Connections issue is to explore the various aspects and implications of strategic competition in a globalized world. International politics will not be shaped solely by the two superpowers, the United States and China, struggling for dominance in different world regions. Several other states and groups of states will also influence the outcome of this competition. Considering a more complex constellation of actors opens up new perspectives on the political and economic challenges ahead and facilitates the exploration of approaches to bridge gaps with nonaligned countries.
The issue begins by examining the most important actors in international politics and then concentrates on the different world regions relevant to strategic competition. Finally, it explores cross-cutting trends and topics that will significantly influence the global outcome of this competition. As a result, it offers key takeaways: The Political West would be wise to recognize the perceptions and needs of nonaligned countries in the context of strategic competition. In this regard, China and Russia are perceived as adversaries of the West. Their narratives resonate strongly in many countries in the Global South. The Political West must regain the initiative and actively promote its competitive advantage. India holds critical importance in this context. Supporting the development of an additional pole in South Asia and fostering the rules-based liberal world order could help contain bilateral conflicts and reduce tensions at both global and regional levels.