Int Rel Theo War

Table 2.1Constraints of the System and Their Influence on the Degree of Stability of the Three Possible Systems

Multipolarity

Bipolarity

Unipolarity

The Number of Polar Powers Constituting the System

Multipolar systems will have three or more

great powers

powering in them

In bipolar systems just two superpowers

will operate

In unipolar systems just one

hyperpower

will operate

Characteristics of Each of the Polarity Models

In multipolar systems the gain of one of the key players operating in the system need not be at the expense of all the other players, or all the other

great

powers

, constituting the system

The relations among the players operating in multipolar systems are represented as a

flexible game

that

occurs among the

great powers

In bipolar systems the gain of one of the key players operating in the system must be at the expense of the other player, or the other

superpower

,

constituting the systemThe relations among the players operating in bipolar systems are represented as a

zero-sum game

held

between the two

superpowers

In unipolar systems the gain of one of the players operating in the system must be at the expense of the polar power, or the sole hyperpower

, constituting the system

The relations among the players operating in bipolar systems are represented as a one-side-loses

game on the part of the sole

hyperpower

Values of the Systemic Dependent Variable, or the Stability of Each of the Systems

Low stability, destabilized system:In multipolar systems the strengthening of one of the

great

powers

will not necessarily threaten

the

homeostasis

and will not lead to

violation of the balance of the systemMultipolar systems will

increase

the

aspiration of the

great powers

to expand.

They will go to expansionist wars irrespective of maintaining the

homeostasis

As a result of this, the

great powers

will

go to war more often than the other two system types

High stability, stable system:In bipolar systems the strengthening of one of the two

superpowers

must

endanger the

homeostasis

and may lead

to violation of the balance of the systemBipolar systems will

suppress

the

aspiration of the

superpowers

for

expansion. They will start wars primarily for maintaining the homeostasisFollowing this, the two

superpowers

will go to wars very rarely relative to the two other systems

Medium stability, partly destabilized system:In unipolar systems the strengthening of players at the expense of the

hyperpower

must

endanger the

homeostasis

and may lead to

breaking of the balance in the systemUnipolar systems will

permit

the aspiration

of the

hyperpowers

to expand. They will

start wars only in response to a risk to their leadership and for maintaining

homeostasis

Following this,

hyperpowers

will go to

more wars than bipolar systems and fewer wars than multipolar systems