1. The Emerging Structure of International Politics
- Author:
- Kenneth Waltz
- Publication Date:
- 03-2008
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Institution:
- Uluslararasi Iliskiler
- Abstract:
- During the Cold War, the bipolar structure od international system and the nuclear weaponry avaliable to some states combined to perpetuate a troubled peace. As the bipolar era draws to a close, one has to question the likely structural changes in prospect. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, bipolarity endures, albeit in an altered state, because Russia stil takes care of itself and no great powers have emerged yet. With the waning of Russian power, the United States is no longer held in check by any other country. Balance of power theory leads one to assume that other powers, alone or in concert, will bring American power into balance. Considing the likely changes in the structure of international system, one can presuppose that three political units may rise to great-power rank: Germany or a West European state, Japan and China. Despite all the progress achieved by these countries, for some years to come, the United States will be the leading counrty economically as well as militarily.
- Topic:
- Cold War, International Political Economy, Nuclear Weapons, Politics, and Political Theory
- Political Geography:
- Russia, United States, Japan, China, Europe, and Germany