GLOBAL POWER STRUCTURE: UNIPOLAR, BIPOLAR, MULTIPOLAR

INTRODUCTION
The concept of global power structure explains how power is distributed among states in the international system. Terms like unipolar, bipolar and multipolar are frequently used in international relations and appear regularly in prelims questions, often in conceptual or statement-based MCQs. For beginners, this topic helps in understanding how world politics has evolved over time and how power distribution influences global stability, conflict and cooperation.

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UNIPOLAR WORLD ORDER

MEANING
• A unipolar world is one in which a single country holds dominant power globally
• That country exercises overwhelming military, economic and political influence

KEY FEATURES
• One superpower dominates international affairs
• Other states have limited ability to challenge the dominant power
• Global institutions often reflect the interests of the dominant power
• Lower probability of direct great-power war, but higher interventionism

HISTORICAL EXAMPLE
• Post–Cold War period (1991 onwards)
• United States emerged as the sole superpower after the collapse of the Soviet Union

PRELIMS POINTER
• Unipolarity does not mean absence of conflict
• It means concentration of power in one state

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BIPOLAR WORLD ORDER

MEANING
• A bipolar world is one where power is concentrated in two major rival states or blocs
• Both powers have comparable military and economic strength

KEY FEATURES
• Two superpowers dominate global politics
• Smaller states align with one of the two blocs
• Balance of power maintained between two poles
• High ideological rivalry but limited direct war between poles

HISTORICAL EXAMPLE
• Cold War period (1945–1991)
• United States and Soviet Union were the two superpowers

PRELIMS POINTER
• Cold War was bipolar, not multipolar
• Non-Aligned Movement emerged during bipolarity

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MULTIPOLAR WORLD ORDER

MEANING
• A multipolar world is one where power is distributed among several major powers
• No single or two states dominate the global system

KEY FEATURES
• Multiple centres of power
• Greater role for regional powers
• Increased diplomatic engagement and alliances
• More complex balance of power dynamics

EXAMPLES
• 19th century Europe
• Emerging global order with USA, China, EU, Russia, India

PRELIMS POINTER
• Multipolarity increases role of middle powers
• India is considered an emerging pole in a multipolar world

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COMPARATIVE SUMMARY (FOR REVISION)

• Unipolar – One dominant power
• Bipolar – Two rival powers
• Multipolar – Multiple power centres

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INDIA AND GLOBAL POWER STRUCTURE

• India supports a multipolar world order
• Advocates strategic autonomy
• Promotes inclusive global governance
• Active role in Global South and multilateral forums

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CURRENT RELEVANCE
• Declining dominance of a single superpower
• Rise of China and other emerging economies
• Growing discussions on multipolar world order
• Increased role of middle powers like India

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Subject: International Relation

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