Unipolar, Bipolar, multipolar, polar bear?

[knowltok2]

Okay, here's a few thoughts on this whole pole debate.

First, I don't see a problem with a unipolar world. Might be because I live in the current candidate for that spot, but that isn't my issue at this time.

What I want to explore is the notion that a unipolar world might not be a sustainable situation, and that another power will move in to fill the void created by the demise of the Soviet Union.

Now, if you don't think that this can happen, or is easily preventable, fine, but this discussion isn't for you. If however you see that it is a possibility, likely, or even if you just have some doubt, read on.

Basic premise is that if it is decided that a unipolar world won't or might not work long-term, should the US consider who it would like in the role of opposite pole, and try to influence that outcome?

In specific, might it not be better for the US to work with European efforts to make them a global power as opposed to letting another region and culture more foriegn to US mindsets and mores to move into that role?

 

[MrPresident]

Unipolar worlds aren't anything new. British Empire, Spanish Empire, Roman Empire, Mongolian Empire and so on. In fact, the cold war with two superpowers was quite a departure from history. I don't see why America should encourage another superpower because really only Europe is in a place to become that. Some people will say China or some other two or third world country but that is just unrealistic. Europe is the only possible rival to America and looking at European development I don't see Europe become a superpower anytime soon. So basically America is number one and will remain number one for quite some time. And I don't see what they could gain from trying to encourage another superpower to emerge.

 

[knowltok2]

Originally posted by MrPresident
Unipolar worlds aren't anything new. British Empire, Spanish Empire, Roman Empire, Mongolian Empire and so on. In fact, the cold war with two superpowers was quite a departure from history. I don't see why America should encourage another superpower because really only Europe is in a place to become that. Some people will say China or some other two or third world country but that is just unrealistic. Europe is the only possible rival to America and looking at European development I don't see Europe become a superpower anytime soon. So basically America is number one and will remain number one for quite some time. And I don't see what they could gain from trying to encourage another superpower to emerge.

Well mainly I was thinking long term. Eventually China and India will rise in power. Russia may eventually regain much of its former power. While Africa is probably doomed even in the long-term, it isn't inconceivable for South America to rise in power.

in all of the examples you gave, those powers are no longer world powers. While they maintained their uni-power status for quite some time in some cases, there was always another power on the rise, and that power wasn't friendly (thinking mainly of the UK and Spain).

Now it could be that we have reached a stage in which unipower status is sustainable for a long-enough period that efforts to pick a rival as opposed to letting one develop would be counter-productive.

But, if we have not reached such a stage, would it be better for the US to have Europe as a rival as opposed to say, China 100-150 years from now?

Perhaps not. It could be that any two powers that occupy the top spot will naturally drift to advesarial relations, and devolve into a "Cold War".

I'm just wondering aloud.

 

[Dralix]

I pick polar bear

 

[Hitro]

I also pick the polar bear, but I want to point out that the current situation is in no way comparable with any other before.
It is quite laughable to call the world at Ghengis Khans time unipolar. I guess the Aztecs were heavily dominated by the Mongols then...
Same with all the others.

 

[MrPresident]

It is quite laughable to call the world at Ghengis Khans time unipolar. I guess the Aztecs were heavily dominated by the Mongols then...

Considering they neither knew the other existed I think it is laughable to call the world anything but unipolar. In their own spheres they were the only superpower.

 

[Mrogreturns]

Originally posted by MrPresident
Considering they neither knew the other existed I think it is laughable to call the world anything but unipolar. In their own spheres they were the only superpower.

Wow- two unipolar worlds for the price of one!

 

[superunknown]

I think Mordor will be the next superpower.