Global Security Challenges in a Non-polar World

Photo: Credit

Kana Shimizu
Researcher, International Relations
The Open University of Japan
E-mail: info@globalculturz.org


The present US president has decided track back from global responsibilities. He clearly indicated that America should not be the custodian of global problems and it is better for the nations to resolve their issues themselves. At a time, with the existence of USSR, the world was bipolar majorly divided into American and Soviet camps. Though a few nations like India were kept themselves at equidistant with both of them under the new camp known as a non-align movement.  With the collapse of USSR, the world politics and economy became the US-centric and American dictates were binding to the most of the nations.  Though some fringe forces were daring to defy and the major jolt was 9/11 terrorist attacks on world trade towers. America dealt this situation firmly and finally killed Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind of the Al-Qaida, in Pakistan in a secret operation.  Until the rise of China as an economic power, political and economic supremacy of the US was beyond doubt. Former US president tried hard to maintain that till his last days in office. It was expected that political policies would continue with the victory of Hillary Clinton, which didn’t happen. Now rise in nationalistic spirits are on a rise. In India, PM Modi has taken several steps to attract foreign investments and fight internal corruption. The people of a northern state of UP, where his party swept the assembly elections, recently approved his moves. In Japan too, PM Abe is changing and reviewing policies for defense. And, as Mr. Trump, has advised US allies, to defend themselves; Japanese common people take it as a good move. In Britain too, a mandate for Brexit is against globalization and reflects a national interest.  Can all these events be read as anti-global phenomena? In my view, it is a time for disappearance of security and economic umbrellas. Each and every nation is fighting to boost and revitalize its economic conditions. In major developed countries there is no noticeable growth. It is very sure that economic affairs have become more important than anything else. The security and defense issues are related to protecting these interests only. Whether it is the South China Sea or Kuril island or even Senkakus or any other part of the globe, the disputes over geographical territories are connected with economic advantages. Though, the governments' project it as an emotional and national issue. 
After trackback by the US, global issues once again are going to be resolved by mutual cooperation and bilateral treaties. It is not yet know how will it impact WTO or other global organizations like UN, UNICEF etc. Though TPP is severely hit by the American announcement to withdraw from it. If the US begins to withdraw it role in global politics and defense and economy, it will be an opportunity for China to take that position. In Asia, it has already started its agenda to control the neighbors, occupy geopolitical locations. The key challenge is India, whose economy is also growing at a faster speed.The present US president has decided track back from global responsibilities. He clearly indicated that America should not be the custodian of global problems and it is better for the nations to resolve their issues themselves. At a time, with the existence of USSR, the world was bipolar majorly divided into American and Soviet camps. Though a few nations like India were kept themselves at equidistant with both of them under the new camp known as a non-align movement.  With the collapse of USSR, the world politics and economy became the US-centric and American dictates were binding to the most of the nations.  Though some fringe forces were daring to defy and the major jolt was 9/11 terrorist attacks on world trade towers. America dealt this situation firmly and finally killed Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind of the Al-Qaida, in Pakistan in a secret operation.  Until the rise of China as an economic power, political and economic supremacy of the US was beyond doubt. Former US president tried hard to maintain that till his last days in office. It was expected that political policies would continue with the victory of Hillary Clinton, which didn’t happen. Now rise in nationalistic spirits are on a rise. In India, PM Modi has taken several steps to attract foreign investments and fight internal corruption. The people of a northern state of UP, where his party swept the assembly elections, recently approved his moves. In Japan too, PM Abe is changing and reviewing policies for defense. And, as Mr. Trump, has advised US allies, to defend themselves; Japanese common people take it as a good move. In Britain too, a mandate for Brexit is against globalization and reflects a national interest.  Can all these events be read as anti-global phenomena? In my view, it is a time for disappearance of security and economic umbrellas. Each and every nation is fighting to boost and revitalize its economic conditions. In major developed countries there is no noticeable growth. It is very sure that economic affairs have become more important than anything else. The security and defense issues are related to protecting these interests only. Whether it is the South China Sea or Kuril island or even Senkakus or any other part of the globe, the disputes over geographical territories are connected with economic advantages. Though, the governments' project it as an emotional and national issue. 

After trackback by the US, global issues once again are going to be resolved by mutual cooperation and bilateral treaties. It is not yet know how will it impact WTO or other global organizations like UN, UNICEF etc. Though TPP is severely hit by the American announcement to withdraw from it. If the US begins to withdraw it role in global politics and defense and economy, it will be an opportunity for China to take that position. In Asia, it has already started its agenda to control the neighbors, occupy geopolitical locations. The key challenge is India, whose economy is also growing at a faster speed.

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