Author: Krisha Sandip Shah, Kes Shri Jayantilal H. Patel Law College, Mumbai
To the Point
Changes in role of superpowers in global politics is a controversial topic internationally. The role of superpowers is changing significantly in current era. If we compare today’s international politics with earlier one, we see lot of differences that has influenced delivering of power from one nation to many. The headline simply means that the limited nations which used to dominate other nation during cold war has now changed and has given rise to MULTIPOLAR from UNIPOLAR. Nations such as USA and Soviet Union were in picture for dominating and controlling the global politics with their exceptional powerful tools like military, international relations, etc.
Today the world is witnessing a new chapter. Nations like India, China, Russia, Israel, etc are becoming superpowers gradually with not only military or defence system but with their outstanding performance in fields of Technology, Education, Medical, Trade, Global governance, international allies, etc.
Thus, the role of superpowers has made an impactful turn from direct and only military confrontation to complex competition leading to dynamic global political system.
Abstract
The term ‘Superpower’ originated during World War 2. USA and Soviet Union had a rivalry on basis of military strength and international allies which remained an example of international relation for decades.
Global power now is not only in hands of one nation but many which dominates world in different style leading to a new face of global political system.
Due to Development and Advancement in Technology sectors like AI, Cyber Security, Data protection, has emerged as a strong factor influencing superpower.
Economic interdependence that is importing and exporting from each other has affected the power of world for the effect of trade, business, profits, etc.
International laws and Foreign policies are now justified which leads to various public opinions, global connectivity, media role, etc.
Use of Legal Jargon
The transformation of role of superpowers within global politics is an evident of recalibration of authority under the contemporary international legal system. This outcomes efficient, effective, legal changes. It brings equality for each and every nation to become a superpower with their own skills and development and end of dominance and biasness. International Court of Justice is important for resolving conflicts between different states leading to justice and equality of nations which suffered the dominance of other states. No intervention in other state is allowed. Every state has its own laws and capability to resolve the problems internally; hence intervention can ultimately lead to repercussions. Superpowers increasingly operate within the constraints imposed by jus cogens norms, customary international law, and binding obligations arising from international conventions.
The Proof
There are tons of proofs and evidences that shows the change in role of superpowers in global politics. For example, Russia, India, China are amongst the countries with best defence system and nuclear powers. There are many wars taking place between Russia-Ukraine, India-Pakistan, Israel-Palestine, etc. in all these wars the powerful and strong nations have been successful with their different superpowers.
Role of international organisations such as UN, NATO, G20 influence international peace, security and economic stability.
The proof that it focuses on global issues not just national interests- for example, 1) Cooperation during COVID-19 pandemic, development and distribution of vaccines in all parts of the world.
2) Global Climate Agreements like PARIS CLIMATE ACCORD
3)Reduced control over smaller nations: smaller countries now have more independence due to globalization and regional alliances.
Case Laws
1.Nicaragua vs United States (ICJ 1986)
Proof of decline in unchecked military power
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) held the USA guilty of violating international law by supporting rebels (Contras) in Nicaragua.
The USA refused to participate in the proceedings but was still judged by the ICJ.
2. South China Sea Arbitration (Philippines vs China, 2016)
Proof of resistance of superpower Dominance.
The permanent court of Arbitration ruled against China’s territorial claims.
Though China rejected the ruling, the decision strengthened International Maritime Law.
3.World Trade Organisation (WTO) Settlement of Disputes
Example USA and EU Airbus Boeing dispute.
Both USA and EU were found guilty of violating trade rules and were allowed retaliatory tariffs.
4. International Criminal Court (ICC) Proceedings (Post-Cold War Era)
Proof of accountability norms.
Although major powers are cautious, the ICC has issued rulings affecting powerful state allies.
Example: investigations into war crimes involving US and Russian linked actions (even if it contested).
Conclusion
Global politics is growing day by day in various terms. Some nations are powerful in terms of military, technology, trade, tourism, etc whereas some are comparatively weaker in terms of finance, trade, defence, etc. Earlier during cold war and World War 2 these powerful countries used to have dominance on other countries, (Dominant countries) USA and Soviet Union for decades, but now it has changed in positive way. The countries earn the superpowers with their own capabilities. This affects the working of global political system. Hence there is no 1 or 2 nations controlling the world but there are many, it is no Multipolar rather than Unipolar. Hence, there are many changes seen in role of superpowers in global system.
FAQS
What is global political system?
Global political system is the network of states, international organisations, law and power relations that governs interactions and decision making at international level.
Name one international organisation through which superpowers exercise influence today?
The UNITED NATION(UN) allows superpowers to exercise influence through diplomacy.
Name a global issue where superpowers now cooperate rather than compete militarily?
Superpowers cooperate on global issues like health, climate change, pandemic response.
Which term describes the shift from bipolar world to multiple centres of power?
This shift is called multipolarity, where several countries share global influence.
Which war marked the USA’s multilateral intervention with UN approval in the early 1990s?
The Gulf War (1991) saw the US act with UN authorisation rather than unilateral action.
In which year did Soviet Union collapse?
The Soviet Union collapsed in the year 1991, ending the bipolar world order.
After the cold war, which country emerged as the sole superpower?
The United States emerged as the sole superpower after the collapse of Soviet Union.
