DISCUSS AND EVAULATE THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM DURNING THE
COLD WAR. IN YOUR DISCUSSION, REFER TO ITS EVOLUTION, STRUCTURE
AND POLARITY
INTRODUCTION:
The definition of an international system can be described as something composed
of many components that interact and influence each other. The international system
is characterised by its structure which includes the organisation and authority, which
the actors are and their scope and level of interaction.
Two characteristics of an interstate system structure are important. Firstly, it lacks
central authorities and is therefore anarchic. Secondly, the distribution of power in
the system changes over time, giving rise to specific patterns of behaviour.
The concept of polarity describes the distribution of power in the state system. It also
distinguishes great powers from major ones, and identifies the number and relative
size of great powers. And it specifies relationships between great and lesser powers.
The two conceptualisations of the international systems define the system as either
an actor system, or as a behavioural system. The difference lies in the components
of the system.
The pattern of interaction within the international system depends on whether a state
is unipolar, bipolar, tri-polar or multipolar. A unipolar state is where the central power
plays a dominant role in creating and enforcing rules for matters which impact the
system. A bipolar state is where two, almost equal powers dominate the system. The
main characteristic of a bipolar state is the acute hostility between two powers. The
one power might want to eliminate the other power with instruments like war.
A tri-polar state can be defined as two hostile powers which dominate the system,
and a third power which has good relations with the two dominant powers. The third
power is regarded as a pivot player. Lastly, a multipolar state can be defined as the
involvement of four or more powers. It is merely the existence of a number of power
poles which contributes to the complex dynamics of the system.
Power is a major factor in the international system and the distribution of power
within the system where various actors affect the way in which the system operates.
The three characteristics that influence power significantly are: the number of poles,
the concentration of power and economic patterns in the international system.
Changes in the concentration of power will specifically affect power shifts, the
distribution of power and the degree to which the power transitions create instability
in the system. Changes to the sources of power and the distribution of power among
great powers are likely to impact the operation of the system.
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