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The geopolitical phase: a fragmented world
In 8 decades, we have gone through different phases. First, we experienced a bipolar world for almost 45 years, structured by the rivalry between the United States (the Western world) and the Soviet Union (the Soviet bloc). The collapse of the USSR gave way to a unipolar world, dominated by the hyper-power of the United States. A new power then emerged – China. This gave the impression that we had moved into a new duopoly.
In reality, we are now in a chaotic phase. Continental and regional blocs and groupings are interacting with each other in sometimes tumultuous ways. More or less structured groupings emerged: G7, G20, G77, BRICS. But some of these groupings are filled with nuances, differences, and rivalries. The BRICS are a motley crew, with China and India as adversaries. And even in the G7, a rather coherent alliance, I can testify there are sometimes very sensitive nuances. On climate change and development financing, for example. We are clearly moving towards a multipolar world in which coalitions of variable composition are being organised.
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Source: European Council
Speaker: Charles Michel, European Council President
Format: Speech
China Policy Research 