Shifting Power Asymmetries in a Multipolar World: Implications for Global Stability
The contemporary international system is undergoing a profound transformation marked by the decline of unipolar dominance and the emergence of a multipolar configuration. This study investigates how shifting power asymmetries influence global stability by systematically comparing economic, military, technological, and institutional performance across diverse international actors. Using a mixed analytical approach that integrates performance comparison tables and advanced visual analyses, the study examines how power redistribution shapes systemic behavior under conditions of competition, alliance restructuring, and institutional fragmentation. The results reveal significant variation in performance outcomes, demonstrating that multipolarity generates nonlinear and uneven effects rather than uniform diffusion of influence. While some actors display high resilience and adaptive efficiency, others experience elevated volatility, particularly in security commitment and institutional effectiveness. Overall, the findings suggest that instability in a multipolar world arises less from power diffusion itself and more from fragmented governance, unequal shock-absorption capacity, and misaligned strategic responses.
-
Multipolarity, Power Asymmetry, Global Stability, International Competition, Alliance Dynamics, Global Governance
-
(1) Shabana Naeem
Assistant Professor, Higher Education Department, Government Graduate College for Women Kabir Wala, Khanewal, Punjab, Pakistan.
