A TRANSFORMATIVE SHIFT IN GLOBAL DYNAMICS

GS-2: International Relations

Key Points:

• The article explores a major reconfiguration of the global order, moving from U.S.-dominated unipolarity post-Cold War to a multipolar framework.

• The rise of China and India, coupled with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, drives this transition.
• Post-World War II global institutions struggle to adapt to these changes.
• The COVID-19 pandemic exposed supply chain vulnerabilities, accelerating regionalization and self-reliance trends.
• India must strategically navigate this evolving landscape by leveraging its strengths and refining its foreign policy.

In-Depth Analysis:

• The U.S. shaped global norms post-Cold War, but rising powers are challenging this dominance.
• China’s economic and technological growth has reshaped global power dynamics.
• The Russia-Ukraine conflict exposed weaknesses in existing security frameworks.
• Supply chains are being restructured for resilience, potentially fragmenting the global economy.
• Technology, especially AI and telecommunications, is a key battleground for global influence.
• The West must engage equitably with emerging powers like India and China.
• India’s growing economy, tech capabilities, and democratic values position it to shape the multipolar world.

Strategic/Geopolitical Terms:

• Multipolarity: A global system with power distributed among multiple nations.
• Geopolitical Realignment: Shifts in national influence leading to new alliances.
• Global Governance: International rules and institutions managing cross-border issues.
• Strategic Autonomy: A nation’s ability to make independent foreign policy decisions.

Significance:

• Marks a profound change in international relations with significant implications.
• Presents opportunities and challenges for India in the new global order.
• Calls for reforming global institutions to reflect current power dynamics.