Navigating Multipolarity: The Evolution of Foreign Policy Strategies through a Political Science Lens

Abstract

Purpose: The paper explores the degree to which multipolarity alters the foreign policy of great, middle and emerging powers. It attempts to provide both theoretical and empirical answers to how states bargain the uncertainty of systems, strategic competition and institution change in a multipolar world. Methodology: The research is premised on the qualitative approach, which is grounded on the theories of realism and liberalism and constructivism in International Relations and the application of the historical analysis and comparative case studies. All the data is used in peer-reviewed scholarship, policy papers, and recent empirical research, which include the U.S.-China rivalry, European Union foreign policy and strategies of other actors in the region, such as India and Brazil. Results: The discussion has established that multipolarity is indeed more instable and competitive and can be explained by realism but also has a greater potential of diplomatic latitude, hedging and local autonomy that are prescribed by liberal and constructivist perspectives. The multi-alignment tendencies are gaining grounds among the emerging and middle powers and alliances and institutional interests are being re-calibrated by the great powers as they attempt consolidate their interests. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The theory has made an original contribution to the theory because the article has been in a position to reconcile the classical and the modern multi-polarity argument, and how strategic adaptation varies with varying hierarchies of power. In fact, it provides hints to re-calibration of foreign policy approaches in ambiguous international environments. It explains to policy why adaptive diplomacy should be refined and institutional design re-conceptualized in order to adapt to systemic risks in a multipolar order.