HegemonyPolitical, economic or military predominance of one state over other statesAncient Greece under the hegemony of Macedon: the kingdom of Macedonia (red) and the Hellenic league (yellow), 337-336 BCAncient Greece under the Theban hegemony, 371–362 BCIn geopolitics, hegemony ( , UK also , US also ) is the political, economic and military predominance of one state over other states, either regional or global.
Polarity (international relations)Polarity in international relations is any of the various ways in which power is distributed within the international system. It describes the nature of the international system at any given period of time. One generally distinguishes three types of systems: unipolarity, bipolarity, and multipolarity for three or more centers of power. The type of system is completely dependent on the distribution of power and influence of states in a region or across the globe.
United StatesCountry primarily in North AmericaThe United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic consisting of 50 states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 contiguous states border Canada to the north and Mexico to the south, with the semi-exclave of Alaska in the northwest and the archipelago of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean.
Michael N. BarnettMichael Nathan Barnett (born November 10, 1960) is a professor of international relations at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. Known for his Constructivist approach, his scholarship and research has been in the areas of international organizations, international relations theory, and Middle Eastern politics. In 2010, Barnett was named University Professor of International Affairs and Political Science at George Washington University.Political sciencePolitical science (sometimes abbreviated as poli sci) is a field which aims to study the scientific aspect of politics. It deals with systems of governance and power, and the analysis of political activities, political thought, political behavior, and associated constitutions and laws. Specialists in the field are political scientists.Soft powerIn politics, particularly in international politics, soft power is the ability to influence or persuade others through the use of persuasive means, as opposed to the use of force or coercion, which is an aspect of hard power. This process entails the strategic shaping of others' preferences through the use of appealing, non-coercive, and attractive means, using culture, political values, and foreign policies to enact change.
BrazilCountry in South AmericaBrazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in South America. It is also the world's fifth-largest country by area and the seventh-largest by population, with over 214 million people. Brazil is a federation composed of 26 states and a Federal District, which hosts the capital, Brasília. Its most populous city is São Paulo, followed by Rio de Janeiro.
AustraliaCountry in OceaniaAustralia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and numerous smaller islands. It has a land area of 7,688,287 km (2,968,464 sq mi), making it the sixth-largest country in the world, and is the world's flattest and driest inhabited continent.
International relationsInternational relations (IR, and also referred to as international studies, international politics, or international affairs) is an academic discipline.
ChinaCountry in East AsiaChina, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. It is divided into 33 province-level divisions, including two special administrative regions. Beijing is the capital, while Shanghai is the most populous city by urban area. Its geography features the Central Plain, major rivers such as the Yangtze and Yellow River, deserts, subtropical and temperate forests, plateaus, and mountain ranges such as the Himalayas.
Cold War1947–1991 geopolitical rivalry between US and USSR NATO and Warsaw Pact states in 1988Duration44 years and 9 monthsPart of the post-World War II eraLocationGlobalThe Cold War was a period of international geopolitical rivalry between the United States (US) and the Soviet Union (USSR) and their respective allies, the capitalistWestern Bloc and communistEastern Bloc. It began in the aftermath of the Second World War and ended with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.Post–Cold War eraMapping America's War on Terrorism: an aggressive new strategy ("Pentagon's New Map")Key eventsDissolution of the Soviet Union (1991)Maastricht Treaty (1992)Yugoslav Wars (1991–2001)September 11 attacks (2001)War on terror (2001–present)Financial crisis of 2007–2008Russo-Ukrainian War (2014–present)COVID-19 Pandemic (2019–2023)Middle Eastern crisis (2023–present)The post–Cold War era is a period of history that has been ongoing since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, which began in 1988 and marked the end of the Cold War by 1991, thereby leaving the United States as the world's sole superpower.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.