From the Unipolar Moment to a Multiplex World

A Publication of the MacMillan Center, Yale University 

Saturday, July 5, 2014

New World order emerges, one that requires cooperation and ability to build regional ties
YaleGlobal, 3 July 2014

Read the entire essay at: http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/unipolar-moment-multiplex-world
Excerpts from The End of American World Order:

http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/end-american-world-order

Editor's  Introduction: The speed of communications, travel and globalization in general has transformed international relations. World order is no longer unipolar or multipolar; it is more like a multiplex theater than a chessboard, argues Amitav Acharya, in an article based on his new book, “The End of American World Order.” The professor of international relations at American University in Washington writes: “A multiplex world comprises multiple key actors whose relationship is defined by complex forms of interdependence.” Such interdependence comprises trade, finance and production networks as well as shared vulnerability to transnational challenges such as climate change. The United States remains essential in addressing transnational challenges, yet must accommodate a wide range of players including rising powers, institutions and corporations as well as new approaches and plotlines. Acharya suggests that stability can be ensured by shared leadership and improved regional relationships with development assistance, conflict resolution, restraint and empathy. Cooperation and strong regional ties among the wide range of players, not necessarily based on territory, can project strength. – YaleGlobal

Text: 

WASHINGTON: The unipolar moment in international relations is over. The new world order will be neither bipolar, the United States and China, nor multipolar, but a multiplex.

A multiplex world is like a multiplex cinema. American political scientist Joseph Nye describes the current international system as a three-dimensional chessboard. The top layer is military power which is still unipolar. The middle is a multipolar economic layer with the likes of the European Union, China and the other BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa. The bottom layer consists of transnational non-state actors operating largely outside of government control.  

In the real world, the military and economic elements of power are not separable. And chess is a game of conflict. As Nye himself would readily admit, today’s world has plenty of cooperation.

The multiplex cinema is more apt – several movies running in different theatres within a single complex. Hollywood style includes thrillers and Westerns with violence, crime, ruggedness and heroism as prominent themes. Bollywood fare offers passion, tragedy, song and dance. Kung fu films produced in Hong Kong and Taiwan play next to patriotic and propaganda films from communist China. No single director or producer would monopolize the audience’s attention or loyalty for long. The audience has a choice of shows.

Read on at: http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/unipolar-moment-multiplex-world

Reprinted: Jakarta Globe, http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/opinion/unipolar-moment-multiplex-world/

            Reprinted: The Nation (Bangkok), http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/From-the-unipolar-moment-to-a-multiplex-world-30237750.html

            Reprinted: The Epoch Times, http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/790551-from-the-unipolar-moment-to-a-multiplex-world/