The article examines the transition from a unipolar to a multipolar world order, from a Western-centric model of the global economy and regulation of international relations to one based on a new balance of power among the major international actors. The author notes that the plurality of unequal “poles” objectively carries the risk of intensifying competition and increasing global tensions. The main cause of these tensions, however, lies in the struggle between the West, seeking to preserve the existing model, and the states that reject it. This primarily concerns Russia and China, but also includes many countries of the “Global South.” In this context, the article analyzes the confrontation between Russia and the Western community, particularly the United States and the European Union. It emphasizes that while the immediate trigger was the Ukrainian crisis, the broader geopolitical clash stems from Russia’s rejection of the Western-centric order. At the same time, the author devotes primary attention to the U.S.–China confrontation, which threatens to assume a global dimension and entails risks of worldwide economic damage, escalation of the arms race, and even direct military conflict (notably over Taiwan). The article also considers the possibility of compromise between the two powers and the emergence of a new “bipolar” world order. In conclusion, it emphasizes the potential for the international system to achieve a certain balance, enabling humanity to concentrate on addressing urgent global challenges, including resource management, climate change, and public health crises.
multipolarity; Western-centric model; Russia; China; “global South”; international tensions; confrontation; new equilibrium.