Dr Catherine Faragallah
Specialist in International Relations
The world is currently witnessing an unprecedented historical transformation, marking the beginning of a reshaping of the international system—one that departs from the traditional rules, logic, and actors of global politics. This shift comes after decades of dominance by a unipolar system led by the United States since the end of the Cold War. Washington long sought to entrench its position as the sole global pole, managing world affairs and setting the rules of the international game. However, the rise of major international powers—most notably China and Russia—has imposed a new reality that is gradually steering the world toward a multipolar international order.
This transformation did not emerge from a vacuum; rather, it is the result of profound changes in the balance of economic, political, and military power. China has achieved broad global breakthroughs economically and technologically, while Russia has reclaimed its role as an influential international actor. This reality has pushed the United States to adopt increasingly aggressive policies in an attempt to preserve its global influence and prevent the erosion of its standing.
This approach has been reflected in unprecedented U.S. policies, including direct and indirect intervention in the internal affairs of states, the imposition of economic sanctions, and the fueling of proxy wars, as seen in its handling of the Venezuelan and Iranian files, its threats toward Cuba and Colombia, and its escalatory policies in various strategic regions. These practices reveal growing American anxiety over the loss of its status as the sole superpower and its frantic efforts to reassert dominance—even at the expense of state stability and the security of peoples.
This is further evidenced by Washington’s return to practices that contradict the principles of the modern international system established by the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, foremost among them respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of states. Experience has proven—particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan—the failure of U.S. military power to achieve stability or build states. The American withdrawal from Afghanistan after twenty years of occupation stands as a stark testament to the limits of this power.
Conversely, the United States has ignored the fact that the world has changed and that China has become a comprehensive international actor, expanding its influence through economics, technology, and culture—especially in Africa through the “Belt and Road Initiative.” This influence has even reached the U.S. market itself. In response, Washington has imposed tariffs, sought to contain China through issues such as Taiwan, applied economic sanctions, and built counter-alliances.
Global developments—from the Russian-Ukrainian war to recurring financial crises, the decline of traditional Western powers, and the rise of new blocs such as BRICS and ASEAN—indicate that the new world order is no longer a theoretical proposition but a reality in the making. These groupings are fully aware of the threat they pose to U.S. influence, prompting Washington to seek to weaken or obstruct them by all possible means.
The current phase also reflects a shift in the concept of geopolitics, where expansion by force is no longer acceptable. Instead, economic power, voluntary alliances, and regional integration have become the key determinants of international influence. This is evident in the unprecedented rapprochement between regional powers and the growing role of China and Russia as political mediators in the Middle East, reflecting a shift in global centers of influence.
In this context, the role of traditional alliances such as NATO has declined, becoming largely confined to military confrontation, while the effective role of the United Nations has diminished, limited mainly to issuing statements of condemnation without real capacity to manage crises or end conflicts.
The central question remains: Is the world heading toward a new unipolar order or toward genuine multipolarity? Current indicators favor multipolarity, particularly given Russia’s and China’s rejection of any American monopoly over international decision-making, and their pursuit of a new economic system that reduces dollar dominance, relies on local currencies, and strengthens the role of the state in regulating markets and achieving economic justice.
Nevertheless, it is unlikely that the United States will stand by idly. It continues to seek to obstruct this transformation by adopting a new Cold War, draining rising powers, fueling conflicts, and waging wars over energy and food in an attempt to prolong the lifespan of the unipolar system. This includes even launching direct strikes against states such as Iran and pursuing regime-change policies.
In conclusion, the contours of the new world order are taking shape amid growing global awareness and widespread popular rejection of hegemony and neo-colonialism. The success of this emerging system depends on the ability of rising powers to unite, end conflicts, and build a more just and balanced international order. The coming phase will reveal whether the United States will adapt to this new reality or continue down a path of confrontation to the very end—whether the world will return to a single-pole order, move toward true multipolarity, or settle into a hybrid system.
