POLITICAL POLARITY AND INTERNATIONAL ORDER: CONCEPTS AND CONTEMPORARY DYNAMICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND VIETNAM’S STRATEGIC ADAPTATIONS

Abstract

The global political system can be organized in several configurations, including multipolarity, bipolarity, unipolarity, and nonpolarity. This study applies historical and theoretical analysis grounded in political polarity theory to assess the contemporary international order. The findings reveal that current global power relations are complex, driven by the ascent of emerging powers, the relative decline of Western influence, and the impact of globalization, technological progress, and intensified competition among major states. The international system appears to be undergoing a transitional phase, involving the erosion of the previous structure and the emergence of a new configuration shaped by multiple converging forces. Although the United States retains a position of overall strategic and material superiority, it increasingly contends with challenges from China, which is aggressively expanding its influence through sweeping initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative. Russia’s military actions in Ukraine reflect opposition to Western influence and resistance to the United States-centric international order. Additionally, actors such as the European Union, India, and Japan are assuming more prominent roles, further contributing to the diversification of global power dynamics. The current international order displays characteristics of multipolarity while simultaneously being strongly influenced by the bipolar rivalry between the United States and China, alongside deepening political fragmentation in several domains. These evolving dynamics also shape Vietnam’s external relations, prompting the country to pursue a balanced diplomatic strategy and establish broad-based strategic partnerships with key global actors to protect its national interests while maintaining autonomy from competing power blocs.