In: Economics
Short Response Question (30%)
Is the unipolar world more peaceful than a multipolar and/or bipolar world? Why or why not? What effects does unipolarity have on the unipole itself and on other states in the international system?
Unipolar world is defined as a world wherein a single state exercises most of the economic and cultural aspects from an international standpoint. Whereas a multipolar world / bipolar world is characterised by a world where two or more nations hold majority of global economic, cultural and military influence such as in the present stage when China is vying for the top post, while US tries to retain the top spot.
Unipolar world is definitely more peaceful than the bipolar world as can be seen from the current stage of economic crisis, when China is trying to gain momentum in terms of economic growth and output, whereas USA is trying to retain its top spot. When a clear leader is prevalent such as in the case of unipolar world, one can clearly ascertain that countries will follow that leader. When a bipolar state occurs, the world divides while trying to ascertain which leader to follow and this creates international economic hardship.
Unipolarity leads to more economic prosperity of the unipole as international policies are framed as per what is favorable for the world power, while other states are made to bend and reform their specific rules in order to please the unipole nation, otherwise it looses its power, such as in the case of Iraq. Other states, if they are not powerful enough have to bend and adjust in order to be in line with unipole's policies and thereby benefit from such a relationship.