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talkpoliticsLately it feels like the idealistic chapter of global politics (where international institutions and norms reliably restrained great powers) is fading. What we're seeing now is a stark return to power politics: nations acting first in terms of influence, leverage and strategic advantage rather than deference to international rules or collective frameworks.
In practical terms, this means big powers are more openly competing over territory, resources, technology and alliances. The US instantly springs to mind. It's reshaping its foreign policy around geopolitical bargaining and strategic leverage instead of building broad multilateral consensus. Other major players like China and the EU are responding by strengthening their own economic and military positions. Smaller states find themselves navigating a world where might still matters, and diplomatic frameworks often serve as tools rather than constraints.
This isn't just abstract theory anymore, it's visible in real decisions about defense spending, trade blocs and territorial security. Some see this as a necessary realism in a chaotic world, others worry it undermines those shared norms that helped keep major wars in check. Whatever one's view, the resurgence of power politics is reshaping international relations in ways that can no longer be ignored.
One example: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/is-trump-reshaping-the-world-order/
In practical terms, this means big powers are more openly competing over territory, resources, technology and alliances. The US instantly springs to mind. It's reshaping its foreign policy around geopolitical bargaining and strategic leverage instead of building broad multilateral consensus. Other major players like China and the EU are responding by strengthening their own economic and military positions. Smaller states find themselves navigating a world where might still matters, and diplomatic frameworks often serve as tools rather than constraints.
This isn't just abstract theory anymore, it's visible in real decisions about defense spending, trade blocs and territorial security. Some see this as a necessary realism in a chaotic world, others worry it undermines those shared norms that helped keep major wars in check. Whatever one's view, the resurgence of power politics is reshaping international relations in ways that can no longer be ignored.
One example: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/is-trump-reshaping-the-world-order/
