GOV 312L Lecture Notes - Lecture 18: Great Power, Power Transition Theory
Document Summary
Polarity has been used to understand how great powers interact with each other and the broader systemic consequences of those great power relations. Polarity characterizes the distribution of capabilities among great powers in the international system by counting the number of independent great powers that exist at any one point in time. Polarity also defines the structure of power in the international system. International system was bipolar during the cold war because there were two great powers (us and soviet union) Since the collapse of the soviet union, the international system has been described unipolar. Us has an advantage in military and economic capabilities over other states. Tripolar systems with three great powers are generally rarer. Multipolar systems contain four or more great powers. Can impact great power relations in two ways. Helping to set the threat that each poses to the others.
