Whether the world should be divided into two poles, with the US and its allies on one side and Russia and China on the other, is complex and contentious. While some argue that this political division already exists, others believe such a binary worldview is overly simplistic and ignores international relations’ many nuances and complexities.
Recent events have indeed underscored the tensions between these two supposed poles. At the G20 finance ministers’ meeting in Bengaluru, for example, Russia and China refused to endorse a joint statement condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the use of nuclear weapons. This move has further exacerbated the already fraught relationship between the West and Russia and highlights the growing alignment between Russia and China.
However, it is essential to recognize that not all countries fit neatly into one of these two supposed poles. Many nations have unique geopolitical interests and relationships and cannot be easily categorized as pro-US or pro-China/ Russia. Furthermore, many issues transcend these supposed poles, such as climate change, economic inequality, and global health pandemics.
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So, while the world may appear politically divided into two poles, the reality is much more complex and fluid. As always, international actors must engage in nuanced diplomacy and strive to find common ground rather than simply relying on simplistic binaries.
Since the world is starving for peace and stability, achieving global peace and solidity requires cooperation among major world powers, regardless of whether the world operates under a unipolar or multipolar system. However, the current antagonism between Russia, China, and the US is hindering any such cooperation. It is crucial to recognize that the planet earth is the only place to live and that peaceful coexistence is necessary for its inhabitants. War and antagonism only bring destruction and suffering, not only to those on the battlefield but also to innocent civilians. Given the unpredictable nature of the world today, it is essential for leaders to prioritize collaboration and harmonious relations rather than risk conflict and instability through aggressive or isolationist policies.
Asad Ullah is a Major in International Relations at Shandong University, Shandong Qingdao China.