Return of Bipolarity in World Politics: China, the United States, and Geostructural Realism

The international system has been unipolar since the collapse of the Soviet Union, centered on the United States. However, the rise of China foreshadows a change in the distribution of power, leading to a U.S.-China standoff and the return of bipolarity. Øystein Tunsjø's book "The Return of Bipolarity in World Politics" argues that the narrowing power gap between China and the United States and the widening power gap between China and any third-ranking power portend a new bipolar system that will differ from the last century. He expands Kenneth N. Waltz's structural-realist theory to examine the new bipolarity within the context of geopolitics, predicting that it will not be as prone to arms races, the risk of limited war is likely to be higher, and the superpowers will be preoccupied with rivalry and conflict in East Asia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 27 February 2018
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the international system has been unipolar, centered on the United States. However, the rise of China foreshadows a significant shift in the distribution of power. Øystein Tunsjø, in his book "The Return of Bipolarity in World Politics," demonstrates that the international system is moving towards a U.S.-China standoff, reminiscent of the bipolarity of the past. This shift brings us back to a system where no third power can challenge the top two.

In his comprehensive survey, Tunsjø explores the new era of superpowers and argues that the combined effects of the narrowing power gap between China and the United States and the widening power gap between China and any third-ranking power portend a new bipolar system that will differ in crucial ways from the previous century. Tunsjø expands Kenneth N. Waltz's structural-realist theory to examine the new bipolarity within the context of geopolitics, which he calls "geostructural realism." He delves into how a new bipolar system will impact balancing and stability in U.S.-China relations, predicting that the new bipolarity will not be as prone to arms races as the previous eras. Instead, the risk of limited war between the two superpowers is likely to be higher, particularly since they are primarily rivals at sea rather than on land. Moreover, Tunsjø suggests that the superpowers will be preoccupied with rivalry and conflict in East Asia rather than globally.

Tunsjø's book presents a significant challenge to how international relations understands superpowers in the twenty-first century. His insights shed light on the evolving dynamics of power and the potential for a new era of geopolitical tensions and conflicts. As the world continues to witness the rise of China and the shifting power dynamics, it is essential to engage in thoughtful analysis and policy discussions to navigate this complex and rapidly changing global landscape.

Weight: 582g
Dimension: 163 x 236 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231176545