A Geopolitical Overview: From the End of the Cold War to the Present
The Post-Cold War World
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the collapse of the USSR marked the end of the Cold War, establishing a new world order led by the United States. Under Presidents Reagan and Bush Sr., the U.S. intensified the Cold War and then saw its conclusion, increasing military interventions in the 1990s. Under President Bush Jr., the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq followed the September 11 attacks, culminating in the 2008 financial crisis. President Obama withdrew troops but faced ongoing instability in the Middle East. President Trump’s policies were divisive, while President Biden has focused on economic recovery.
Regional Developments
North America
In Canada, support for Quebec’s independence has declined since the 1995 referendum.
Asia
Japan, democratized after World War II, experienced an economic crisis in the 1990s and the Fukushima disaster in 2011. The current government supports the reopening of nuclear plants.
Europe
Economic and political integration advanced with the creation of the European Union (EU) in 1992, although the 2008 financial crisis and austerity measures caused discontent. The disintegration of Yugoslavia led to civil wars, while other Eastern European countries peacefully integrated into the EU.
Africa
Africa faced post-colonial challenges such as population growth, military conflicts, and the rise of terrorism. The Arab Spring in 2010 led to government changes in Tunisia and Egypt and conflicts in other nations.
The Rise of Emerging Economies: The BRICS
The BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and later South Africa—represent major emerging economies with significant global influence. They collectively account for a large portion of the world’s population, GDP, territory, and trade. Despite differences in population size, GDP per capita, and debt levels, they established the New Development Bank to finance infrastructure projects and expanded cooperation in various areas. However, challenges remain in creating a unified agenda and increasing influence in global institutions.
- Russia and China have seen significant economic transformations, with Russia facing international conflict and China focusing on domestic demand.
- South Africa, post-apartheid, struggles with high poverty rates.
Despite these challenges, the BRICS continue to play a significant role in global economics and politics.
The Non-Aligned Movement and Regional Dynamics
The Non-Aligned Movement emerged during the Cold War, representing developing countries outside the two major blocs.
Regional Challenges
- Africa: Faces challenges such as population growth, military conflicts, corrupt governments, and jihadist expansion. The Arab Spring in the Maghreb led to political changes, while Sub-Saharan Africa struggles with instability.
- Asia: Iran’s Islamic Revolution and US interventions shape policies.
- Latin America: Saw transitions from military dictatorships to democracies, with left-wing governments rising. Mercosur and ALBA are regional organizations promoting cooperation.
Ongoing Conflicts and Humanitarian Crises
Active conflicts around the world include:
- The ceasefire breach between Morocco and the Polisario Front in Western Sahara
- Civil war in South Sudan
- Insurgency by Boko Haram in Nigeria
- Conflict in Ethiopia with ethnic groups
- Resource-driven violence in the Congo
- Insurgency in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado region
- War against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria
- Ongoing conflict in Yemen
- The Arab-Israeli conflict
- Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022
Ethnic extermination continues to occur, such as:
- The persecution of Bosnian Muslims
- The Rwandan genocide
- The persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar
International Alliances and Institutions
International alliances and institutions play crucial roles in global cooperation and governance:
Key Organizations
- OAS (Organization of American States): Established in 1889, it forms the oldest international system, fostering cooperation among American republics.
- UN (United Nations): Formed in 1945 after World War II, it comprises 193 member states, working towards peace, human rights, humanitarian aid, sustainable development, and international law.
- NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization): Founded in 1949, it aims to ensure security and freedom for its 30 member countries, including the US, Canada, and much of Europe.
- OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development): Established in 1961, it coordinates economic and social policies among its 38 member states.
- WTO (World Trade Organization): Created in 1995 to reduce trade barriers, it includes 164 members representing over 98% of global trade.
- G20 (Group of 20): Founded in 1999, it addresses global economic and financial issues. Comprising 19 countries and the EU, it represents around 85% of global GDP and trade, and nearly two-thirds of the global population.
The United Nations and Peacekeeping
The United Nations has been engaged in peacekeeping missions since 1945, deploying unarmed observers and lightly armed troops to maintain peace and trust. The missions initially focused on monitoring ceasefires, supporting political efforts for peaceful resolutions, and conducting armed operations when necessary, such as during the Suez Canal crisis in 1956. Political missions followed to aid post-conflict peace consolidation, with the UN playing a significant role in conflict prevention through diplomacy and mediation. Today, the UN conducts peacekeeping operations guided by principles of consent, impartiality, and non-use of force unless in legitimate defense or mandate protection.