National perspectives on a multipolar order

Benjamin Zala is Research Fellow in the Department of International Relations, Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, Australian National University

• Introduction1 The utility and limits of polarity analysis – Benjamin ZalaPart I: Rising and re-emerging powers2 ‘Mirror, mirror on the wall’: China and the concept of multipolarity in the post-Cold War era – Nicholas Khoo and Zhang Qingmin3 India: Seeking multipolarity, favouring multilateralism, pursuing multialignment – Ian Hall4 Brazil: Pursuing a multipolar mirage? – Luis L. Schenoni5 Multipolarity in Russia: A philosophical and practical understanding – Elena ChebankovaPart II: The unipole and its allies6 Does the United States face a multipolar future? Washington’s response through the lens of technology – James S. Johnson7 Japan and the dangers of multipolarisation – H.D.P. Envall8 The uses and abuses of the polarity discourse in UK foreign and defence politics – David BlagdenConclusion9 Debating the distribution of power and status in the early twenty-first century – Benjamin ZalaIndex