Foad Izadi (Iran) speech at the Global Conference on Multipolarity
Foad Izadi (Iran) – Associate Professor of Faculty of World Studies (Tehran University)
Moving towards a multipolar world, where power is distributed among
multiple major global players, can be accompanied by various obstacles. Here are some common challenges that will arise:
1. Dominance of Existing Powers: Established global powers, such as the United States, will resist relinquishing their dominant positions and influence in the international system. They will view a multipolar world as a threat to their interests and work to maintain their hegemonic status.
2. Competition and Conflict: As power is distributed among multiple poles, competition and conflicts of interest can intensify. Rivalries between emerging and existing powers may escalate, leading to geopolitical tensions, proxy wars, or even direct confrontations.
3. Lack of Global Governance: Transitioning to a multipolar world requires effective global governance mechanisms. However, there might be a lack of consensus on global governance structures, decision-making processes, and rules. This can hinder cooperation and coordination among nations, making it challenging to address global issues collectively.
4. Unresolved Regional Conflicts: Numerous ongoing regional conflicts can complicate the move towards a multipolar world. Disputes and unresolved conflicts between nations can hinder the establishment of stable and cooperative relationships necessary for a multipolar system to thrive.
5. Economic Interdependence: Existing economic interdependencies, such as trade relationships and supply chains, may be disrupted during the transition to a multipolar world. Economic competition and protectionism between major powers can create instability and hinder progress towards multipolarity.
6. Differing Ideologies and Values: Countries in a multipolar world are likely to have different ideologies, values, and political systems. These divergences can lead to conflicting interests and hinder collaboration on global issues, making it harder to establish common ground.
7. Security Dilemmas: In a multipolar world, nations may face security dilemmas where actions taken by one state to enhance its security might be perceived as threats by other states. This can lead to arms races, mistrust, and instability.
8. Lack of Trust and Cooperation: Trust-building and cooperative relationships among nations are crucial for the success of a multipolar world. However, historical rivalries, deep-rooted suspicions, and differing national interests can impede the development of trust and hinder cooperation efforts.
9. Power Asymmetries: Transitioning to a multipolar world can be challenging when significant power asymmetries exist among nations. Weaker states may feel marginalized or threatened by the dominant powers, leading to resistance or attempts to form alliances against them.
Overcoming these obstacles requires diplomatic efforts, dialogue, multilateral institutions, and a shared vision for global governance. It demands a commitment to mutual respect, cooperation, and compromise among nations to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition towards a multipolar world.
As it was said earlier, United States will violently resist relinquishing its dominant position in a multipolar world based on historical patterns and geopolitical considerations. Here are some strategies the United States might employ to maintain its position:
1. Economic Strength: The United States has traditionally relied on its robust economy and technological innovation to maintain its global influence. It could continue to prioritize economic growth, invest in research and development, and promote innovation to stay competitive.
2. Diplomatic Alliances: The United States may seek to strengthen its alliances and partnerships with like-minded countries to maintain a collective influence in international affairs. Strengthening alliances with NATO, the European Union, and other democratic nations could provide a united front against challenges to American dominance.
3. Military Capabilities: The United States has historically maintained a strong military presence worldwide. It could continue to invest in advanced military technologies, maintain a global military footprint, and ensure military readiness to project power and deter potential adversaries.
4. Technological Dominance: Emphasizing technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space exploration, and biotechnology, can help the United States maintain a competitive edge and bolster its global influence in a rapidly evolving world.
5. Soft Power and Cultural Influence: The United States has long relied on its soft power, including its cultural exports to exert influence globally. Continued emphasis on propaganda and public diplomacy, and fostering positive international perceptions can contribute to maintaining its dominant position.
6. Adaptability and Multilateral Engagement: Recognizing the changing global dynamics, the United States may need to adapt its approach and engage with emerging powers and rising regions. This could involve active participation in international institutions, negotiations, and multilateral frameworks to shape global norms and regulations.
7. Economic and Trade Policies: The United States could pursue strategic economic and trade policies to protect domestic industries and address concerns related to intellectual property rights and technology transfer. These policies may aim to maintain economic advantages and prevent the erosion of American dominance.
It's important to note that the global landscape is complex, and the United States will likely employ a combination of these strategies while adapting to evolving circumstances.
In order to resist U.S. hegemony in the path towards a multipolar world, NGOs and intellectuals can play a significant role. Here are some ways they can confront and influence the global power dynamics:
1. Research and Advocacy: NGOs and intellectuals can conduct research and provide evidence-based analysis to expose the consequences and limitations of American hegemony. They can highlight issues such as inequality, human rights abuses, environmental degradation, and economic exploitation resulting from dominant power structures. By raising awareness and advocating for change, they can foster a critical discourse on the need for a more equitable and inclusive global order.
2. Mobilizing Civil Society: NGOs have the capacity to mobilize civil society and grassroots movements to push for alternative visions of global governance. By organizing campaigns, protests, and advocacy initiatives, they can amplify the voices of marginalized communities, challenge dominant narratives, and demand greater accountability from powerful actors, including the United States.
3. Building Networks and Coalitions: NGOs and intellectuals can collaborate across borders to build networks and coalitions that promote alternative perspectives and challenge American-let hegemonic power structures. By fostering cooperation between organizations and intellectuals from different regions, they can amplify their impact and present a united front against dominance.
4. Promoting Dialogue and Exchange: Intellectuals can foster dialogue and exchange between different cultures, societies, and knowledge systems. By facilitating discussions and creating platforms for diverse voices, they can challenge Western-centric narratives and promote a more inclusive understanding of global affairs. This can contribute to a more balanced and multipolar discourse.
5. Policy Advocacy: NGOs and intellectuals can engage with policymakers, international institutions, and multilateral forums to influence policies and promote alternative approaches. By providing expertise, proposing policy recommendations, and participating in decision-making processes, they can help shape a more equitable and multipolar global order.
6. Engaging with Emerging Powers: NGOs and intellectuals can actively engage with emerging powers and rising regions to foster dialogue and cooperation. By promoting collaboration between these actors and sharing knowledge and best practices, they can contribute to the diversification of power and challenge the dominance of western powers.
7. Promoting Global Solidarity: NGOs and intellectuals can advocate for global solidarity and cooperation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and conflict. By highlighting the shared interests and interdependence of nations, they can foster a collective effort to address these challenges, thereby reducing the influence of any single hegemonic power.
It's important to note that confronting United States hegemony and promoting multipolarity requires sustained efforts, collaboration, and a long-term perspective. NGOs and intellectuals can contribute significantly by providing critical analysis, mobilizing civil society, and advocating for alternative visions of global governance. And most importantly, provide the principles of an ideology that seeks to confront United States hegemony. Here are some principles that can be associated with challenging U.S hegemony:
1. Multipolarity: The ideology should promote the idea of a multipolar world order, where power is more evenly distributed among multiple actors. It emphasizes the need to challenge the dominance of the United States, and seeks to create a more balanced and inclusive global system.
2. Sovereignty and Self-Determination: The ideology recognizes the importance of national sovereignty and the right of nations to determine their own political, economic, and social systems without external interference. It opposes interventions, military occupations, and impositions of dominant powers that undermine the sovereignty and self-determination of nations.
3. Equality and Justice: The ideology emphasizes the importance of equality and justice in international relations. It challenges the unequal power dynamics that perpetuate global injustices, such as economic exploitation, social inequalities, and human rights abuses. It promotes fair and just systems that prioritize the well-being and dignity of all people.
4. Solidarity and Cooperation: The ideology encourages solidarity and cooperation among nations and peoples. It seeks to build alliances and partnerships based on shared interests and mutual respect, fostering collaboration to address global challenges collectively. It emphasizes the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and multilateralism in resolving conflicts and promoting common goals.
5. Cultural Diversity and Respect: The ideology recognizes and values cultural diversity, promoting respect for different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. It opposes cultural homogenization. Instead, it supports the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of intercultural understanding and dialogue.
6. Sustainable Development and Environmental Stewardship: The ideology prioritizes sustainable development and environmental stewardship. It acknowledges the need for responsible resource management, climate action, and ecological sustainability. It challenges dominant economic models that prioritize profit over the well-being of the planet and future generations.
7. Anti-Imperialism and Anti-Colonialism: The ideology opposes imperialism and colonialism in all forms. It seeks to address the historical legacies of colonialism, including economic exploitation, cultural subjugation, and territorial occupation. It supports the right to self-determination of colonized and oppressed peoples.
These principles are not exhaustive, and different ideologies and movements may emphasize different aspects. It's also important to note that confronting hegemony is a complex endeavor, and the specific principles and strategies adopted may vary based on the specific context and goals of those challenging the dominant power structures.
