Navigating a multipolar world : Myanmar's strategic alignment in shifting global order
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Phyo Lin Aung (NP News) - March 9
The political landscape of the 21st century is increasingly viewed as multipolar, a perspective shared by many political analysts and scholars. This change is recognized globally, as countries work to navigate this new and evolving world order. Moreover, the emergence of new powers and the shifting balance of global influence are transforming international relations, making it difficult for any single superpower to maintain dominance.
As nations strive to establish their positions in this changing order, the dynamics of diplomacy, economic strategies, and military alliances are becoming more intricate and interconnected. The rise of non-Western powers, such as China and India, alongside regional alliances, further complicates the global order, presenting both challenges and opportunities for countries seeking to secure their interests.
Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, the world operated under a bipolar order. In this framework, the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as the two dominant superpowers, each significantly influencing global politics. This arrangement created a balance of power, as the two nations competed and rivaled one another, effectively keeping each other in check. Despite the tensions inherent in their rivalry, this dynamic fostered a relatively stable environment where neither superpower could easily dominate the other. This stability relied on the principle of mutually assured destruction, with both sides acutely aware of the dire consequences that would follow a direct conflict.
In 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States emerged as the sole superpower. This marked the beginning of a unipolar world, with the U.S. positioned at the top. In the earlier bipolar era, the two dominant powers managed to maintain a balance through competition and mutual checks. However, in this new landscape, the U.S. stood alone as the primary force, prompting concerns about its unilateral approach. With no rivals to balance its power, the U.S. took increasingly controversial actions, often positioning itself as the global "judge" on various issues and making decisions as if it were the ultimate authority in international affairs.
Consequently, the world began to revolve around America, with no other nation capable of matching its influence. This unipolar moment established a new global order, but it also sparked growing criticism regarding the absence of checks and balances, as other countries found it difficult to challenge U.S. supremacy. The absence of a counterbalancing power led to global frustrations, particularly with the U.S.'s interventionist policies and economic dominance, which many felt undermined the sovereignty of smaller nations and regions.
However, in this new world order, U.S. supremacy is increasingly being challenged by a number of rising rival powers. The U.S. can no longer claim unquestioned dominance and now finds itself in competition with countries like Russia, China, and other emerging nations that are reshaping global politics. These countries are expanding their influence across various regions and sectors, contributing to a more multipolar world. Unlike the unipolar moment when the U.S. enjoyed unrivaled authority, the current global landscape lacks a single dominant power, resulting in a more complex and competitive international environment. This shift reflects a broader trend toward regionalization, where local and regional powers take a more active role in shaping global dynamics.
Now in this new world order, countries are acting more like groups. It has become a choice between countries in polarized groups. In this context, nations are increasingly aligning themselves with like-minded countries that share common interests, values, or ideologies. This shift highlights the growing trend of nations participating in alliances rather than pursuing purely unilateral foreign policies. As countries align themselves with different blocs, international relations become more complex, as each group strives to gain influence and assert its priorities in the global arena.
Since Myanmar declared the state of emergency, it has faced international condemnation and isolation. During that time, the world’s superpowers, China and Russia, stood as exceptions. Both China and Russia did not abandon Myanmar in its time of crisis. Their support has been instrumental in providing Myanmar with a degree of political stability and international legitimacy amidst a hostile global response.
China has been making efforts to mediate the internal conflicts occurring within Myanmar. By inviting Myanmar's leadership to engage with China, the country has clearly shown its support for Myanmar amidst the international arena. This diplomatic engagement also aligns with China's broader geopolitical interests in the region, further cementing its role as a key player in Myanmar’s future development.
Similarly, Russia has also demonstrated strong support for Myanmar's government. They have invited high-ranking officials, including the State Administration Council (SAC) Chairman and other senior representatives, to a goodwill visit to Russia, signaling their firm stance of backing Myanmar's government. Currently, SAC Chairman is on a visit to Russia, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 5 and discussed further strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in the areas of trade and economic cooperation.
As a result of these actions, Myanmar has now firmly aligned itself with the bloc led by Russia and China, becoming an integral part of the alliance. This shift highlights the geopolitical realignment Myanmar has undertaken, finding itself in a polarized global context where its choices will influence its future trajectory in international relations. Myanmar's growing ties with China and Russia reflect a broader trend of alignment in a multipolar world where nations are increasingly looking for strategic partnerships based on shared interests.
At the same time, the United States has been experiencing a split with its traditional allies. The U.S.'s focus on resolving the Ukraine conflict has led to tensions with its European partners, and now, the U.S. and European countries seem to have drifted apart even further. Within the Western bloc, there is a growing polarization, with disagreements on key issues such as defense spending, foreign policy priorities, and responses to global crises. In the Middle East, Arab countries are forming one bloc, while Israel, backed by the United States, is forming another. This shift in the global landscape is marked by the emergence of these polarized groups, each seeking to secure its position in a more competitive international environment.
The strength of each group will ultimately be determined by the political and economic resilience of the countries within them. Myanmar, at this point, is already part of a suitable bloc. Why? Because Russia and China, being the world's leading most powerful nations, offer Myanmar strong prospects for the future. As Myanmar aligns with these two powerful countries, it stands to benefit from political support, economic investments, and an improved global image. These factors will contribute to Myanmar’s growing influence on the international stage, offering more favourable prospects in the coming years. Myanmar’s alignment with Russia and China gives it leverage in international negotiations and strengthens its position in the increasingly multipolar world order.