Reference News Network, October 28 report: Pakistan's "The Nation" newspaper published an article titled "The Rise of a Multipolar World" on October 25, authored by Atif Mahmood. The full text is as follows:

The international system is shifting from a unipolar structure to a more complex state, with multiple centers of power playing their respective roles politically. In fact, the unipolar system no longer exists, and a multipolar world has emerged internationally.

Geopolitical "hedging" is becoming a trend

From an economic perspective, one of the most obvious signals of this shift is that the BRICS countries, when calculated by purchasing power parity, account for nearly 40% of the global GDP, exceeding the G7. In addition to their growing economic strength, they are also able to use their influence in terms of architecture, rules, and trade terms. The situation is changing and generating ripple effects globally.

Regarding diplomacy and strategy, according to the definition of the 2025 Munich Security Report, the current world is clearly in a "multipolar" state. The nature of relationships in these international scenarios makes alliances unstable. Countries that have been classified as secondary players in international relations have become swing states in international relations. There is also a phenomenon where Turkey, a NATO member, openly defies American foreign policy. Essentially, it either allies with the West or with the East.

In this emerging order, the old model of dominant powers imposing their will while other countries can only comply is disintegrating. A significant feature of the current geopolitical landscape is "hedging." Many countries are aligning with multiple poles rather than pledging allegiance to a single major power. For many countries in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, it is no longer a question of East versus West, but a matter of choice.

However, as power becomes fragmented, cohesion also disappears. Competition brought about by multipolarity is not only evident in military and economic fields, but also in governance models. Unlike the Cold War era, where two systems were ideologically opposed, this era is more diverse and chaotic. There is no common blueprint for order.

Nevertheless, this situation brings great danger. In the history of international relations, we have seen that when two or more relatively balanced powers are ambitious and want to control a region or the world, the possibility of making mistakes is higher compared to a bipolar or unipolar international system.

The 2025 Global Risks Report reflects this anxiety. Nearly a quarter of the global risk experts surveyed consider armed conflict to be the greatest threat this year. The economic consequences of increasing fragmentation are also becoming apparent. According to a study in 2023, trade between countries aligned geopolitically is increasing, while trade between competitors is declining. This indicates that fragmentation is no longer theoretical, but substantial. Between 1995 and 2020, trade flows declined by about seven percentage points due to geopolitical distance. Redrawing supply chains based on ideology could lead to global economic fragmentation and inefficiency, resulting in redundant parallel systems.

However, in today's turbulent situation, if multipolarity can be successfully utilized, it itself contains opportunities. Perhaps, the existence of multiple centers means a world with broader representation and inclusiveness will emerge. Multipolarity reminds us that we need to redesign global governance in a way that better suits today's world. Deep changes have long been needed.

Strategic planning must be cautious

For countries operating in this new environment of change, strategic planning must be done with caution.

Firstly, they need diversified partnerships, because if they rely on a single source in politics, energy, security, or even data, they will face many risks. The pandemic and the war in Ukraine have made countries clearly aware of what happens when their key dependencies are hindered.

Secondly, enhance strategic intelligence capabilities. Although major powers remain crucial, regional participants are equally important. Understanding the political positions and aspirations of regional participants is essential for understanding international affairs.

Thirdly, promote reforms of international institutions. Whether to reform or not is a matter of survival. Financial systems that give excessive power to traditional powers will face challenges from emerging alternative payment systems.

Finally, strengthen resilience, not only in military or economic areas, but also in social and technological areas. Countries that can withstand shocks, adjust policies, and coordinate alliances will thrive. A multipolar system is not a reason for chaos. On the contrary, it can become a platform for diverse participation, where principles can be negotiated rather than imposed by certain powerful countries. In areas where mutual dependence is necessary for coexistence, smaller countries need to take the initiative.

The arrival of a multipolar world does not mean the end of order, but rather the end of the order we have become accustomed to. The system we are familiar with, mainly built on the image of post-war American leadership, is gradually disintegrating under the pressure of demographic changes, economic transitions, and political awakening. A new system is being formed bit by bit.

This transformation will test institutions, ideologies, and various assumptions. More countries will have more say and shape the future. The game rules have changed. Acknowledging this is the beginning. To smoothly navigate through this phase, we need more wisdom rather than instinct. (Translated by Wang Diqing)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7566184635556348451/

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