The Origin, Present State, and Future of Multipolarity from a Connectivity Perspective

Abstract

International Relations are in the midst of an ongoing global systemic transition from unipolarity to multipolarity, the origin, present state, and future of the latter being influenced to a significant degree by philosophical factors. The authors argue that the US’ unique model of unipolarity has proven to be unviable because of mismanagement, specifically as was seen during the expensive wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and after the 2008 financial crisis. This created a window of opportunity for competing powers such as Russia and China to more confidently challenge its leadership, with the intent of reforming the American-led world system. The future of multipolarity is still uncertain, but the case can be made that physical and civilizational connectivity will play a leading role in shaping the emerging order. Unlike Huntington’s proposition, cooperation across China’s Belt & Road Initiative—unprecedentedly connecting all civilizations together in a new era of globalization—is a realistic possibility. Russia’s majority Slavic Orthodox civilization is predicted to partner with the rising Islamic civilization along its southern periphery, facilitated by the establishment of a new trans-regional trade corridor that improves connectivity with Pakistan.