The Changing Global Landscape: Geopolitical Regions and Power Dynamics
1. The New World System
a) Geopolitical World Regions
Geopolitical world regions encompass states with similar political, economic, social, and cultural characteristics. These regions include the traditional power triad of the US, Japan, and the EU; Russia and the Central Asian republics; emerging Asian countries, particularly China and India; the Arab Islamic world; Israel; Latin America; and Sub-Saharan Africa.
b) The Relationships between World Regions
Relationships between world regions are complex and not egalitarian, resulting in significant disparities in global power and influence. This has led to global conflicts that international institutions strive to resolve.
2. The New World Order
After the collapse of the communist bloc in 1991, the bipolar world order, divided into antagonistic blocs, dissolved. A new unipolar order emerged, with the United States as the world’s sole superpower due to its military, political, economic, technological, and cultural dominance.
3. The United States
The United States remains a globally dominant power due to its military strength, influence in international institutions, economic prowess, technological advancements, and cultural impact. It has exercised clear primacy in Latin America and maintains the world’s leading economy, driven by its resource wealth, agricultural and industrial output, and multinational companies. American society and way of life continue to influence many countries worldwide.
4. Japan
Japan’s geopolitical weight in the global context is secondary and dependent on the United States. Its influence in the Asian regional context is limited due to its imperialist past. However, Japan’s economy is the third largest globally, driven by its industrial and technological development. Japanese society blends traditional and modern elements.
5. European Integration
a) Growing Process of European Integration
- Treaties have been signed, leading to increasing political, economic, and regional integration.
- Expansion of membership to the current 27.
- Creation of common institutions to ensure its functioning.
- Adoption of common policies in various areas.
b) Unequal Global Influence
The EU’s global relevance is diminished by its uncoordinated foreign policy and dependence on the United States in certain political negotiations and military interventions within NATO. At the European regional level, the EU has become the continent’s main political and economic center. Its economy ranks among the major economic powers, and EU society is characterized by a high level of welfare and social provision.
6. China and India
China and India have significant populations in the global context.
a) China
China aspires to achieve international leadership, leveraging its demographic size, economic growth, military power, atomic weapons, naval bases in the Indian Ocean, and ambitious space program.
b) India
India is the world’s second most populous country, possesses the third most powerful military force, and has forged closer relations with major world powers like the United States and China. Both China and India compete for dominance in the regional context through their leadership in Asian regional cooperation partnerships. Their economies have grown dramatically, initially based on opening up to the global market and attracting foreign investment for exporting traditional products. The capital obtained was then invested in developing high-tech industries and expanding businesses. Society has reduced poverty and increased the middle class.
7. Russia
Russia experienced significant weakening in the global context between 1991 and 1999 due to political instability and economic crisis. It aims to be the dominant power in Central Asia, leading the CIS and controlling hydrocarbon production and transport in the region. Russia’s economy underwent a severe crisis during the transition to capitalism, leading to declining production, inflation, and unemployment. The transition has also resulted in a decline in social welfare, with reduced public social benefits and increased social inequalities, although the middle class has also grown.
8. The Arab Islamic World
a) Global Context
The region is strategically important as a transit zone between Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, and Central and East Asia, and for its hydrocarbon reserves. The Arab League brings together all Arab countries in the regional context to defend their interests and mediate between its members.
b) Economies
Oil-producing countries have used their revenues to build modern industries related to oil, gas, or minerals, and to accumulate real estate and financial operations in Western countries.
c) Society
Oil-producing countries have created a welfare state to make the enormous accumulation of wealth in the hands of a minority acceptable.
9. Israel
a) Global Context
Israel ranks among the world’s top ten powers in the global context, despite its small population and land area.
b) Regional Context
The main problem in the regional context is relations with neighboring Arab countries, characterized by the conflict with Palestine.
c) Economy
Israel’s economy is based on a highly technified agriculture.
d) Society
The society is very diverse, including a majority of Jews from all over the world, along with Muslims, Christians, and other minorities.
10. Latin America
a) Global Context
Latin America has been under the direct influence of the United States in the global context.
b) Regional Context
Brazil is the main power in the regional context, thanks to its agricultural, energy, and mineral wealth.
c) Economy
Latin America’s economy suffered a serious crisis in the 1980s, leading to debt, inflation, unemployment, and poverty.
d) Society
Latin American society still suffers from serious inequalities, and poverty affects a large part of the population.
11. Sub-Saharan Africa
a) Global Context
Sub-Saharan Africa is a neglected region in the global context, with little influence on global decision-making.
b) Regional Context
South Africa is the leading power in the regional context because of its mineral wealth and industrialization.
c) Economy
The sub-Saharan economy has enormous resources, such as gold, diamonds, uranium, oil, and coltan.
d) Society
Sub-Saharan society suffers from high population growth, inequality, diseases such as AIDS, malnutrition, and illiteracy, leading to high emigration.