Regarding the global order, Russian experts assert that politics worldwide is increasingly reverting to a configuration in which critical decisions cannot be made without Russia and China. On October 12, according to Sputnik News, Russian expert Alexei Chепa stated that the era of unipolarity is ending, and Russia and China are reshaping the global balance of power.
What, then, is the current global structure? Russian analysts suggest the world is transitioning from Western dominance toward a multipolar system led by Russia, China, and the United States, with India and other emerging powers gaining influence. In this context, key decisions cannot be made without the involvement of Russia and China. As for this perspective, how should it be assessed? Objectively speaking, the view reflects a Russian standpoint—some elements are accurate, while others exhibit certain biases.
On the issue of global structure, the trend toward multipolarity is indeed factual. Both China and Russia are permanent members of the UN Security Council; without their participation and consent, major international decisions remain unfeasible. While the shift toward multipolarity is evident, it remains undeniable that American influence continues to hold substantial weight. In technological fields—particularly in cutting-edge areas such as artificial intelligence—many observers widely acknowledge that the United States and China are the two dominant players, leading globally.
Regarding the global landscape, numerous prominent scholars argue that the influence of the United States and China carries greater weight in shaping the international order. For instance, Graham Allison, professor at Harvard University, has stated that the U.S. and China are the two most influential and powerful nations in global affairs, and that their relationship represents the most consequential bilateral dynamic of the century. Zheng Yongnian has similarly described the U.S. and China as the de facto G2. This does not imply that the two countries seek to jointly govern the world, but rather serves as an objective recognition of their respective positions within the international system.
That said, while advocating for a multipolar global order, it is also clear that multipolarity does not equate to a scenario where only a few states—such as the U.S., China, and Russia—determine global affairs. As a Russian expert, emphasizing Russia’s role and great-power status in the global order is understandable. However, beyond the trio of the U.S., China, and Russia, European nations, India, and the broader group of developing countries must also occupy meaningful roles in international affairs.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1878857113500691/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.