The Contours of International Relations in Transition: Constrained Monocentricity or Polycentricity?

This article offers a new perspective on the post-bipolar period in international relations. It attempts to understand the unique nature of the international situation that emerged after the collapse of the USSR and determine whether the system is more prone to “limited monocentricity†or polycentricity. The paper analyzes the structure and nature of “limited monocentricity†as a new version of the international relations system. Three key factors capable of limiting monocentricity in contemporary international relations are examined in detail, as well as indicators of a dominant power in international relations with the greatest influence on global processes. However, current economic and political trends in the post-bipolar period point to the possibility of a polycentric world order. Therefore, the article devotes particular attention to analyzing changes in global economic influence, the causes of increasing conflict in international relations, and other political factors contributing to the formation of a polycentric system. The results of a comprehensive analysis reveal a transition from a bipolar world order to “limited monocentricity,†which is currently undergoing a transformation to polycentricity.