Great Power Competition: A Continuous Challenge for Global Stability, International Norms and International Law

Abstract

The re-emergence of great power competition poses a significant threat to multilateralism, regional and international order. The United States and China are the two world superpowers that have been seen battling for the control of the international order and power supremacy; the world gets to see the change in the geopolitical landscape in a way that seems to erode the gains that had been made in world order and war management within the last fifty years. The conflict, which has an economic dimension, a technological dimension and geopolitical confrontation, can lead to the destabilization of regions, increase the intensity of existing conflicts and undermine the principles of international law. It has been not seen as a bilateral conflict between the USA and China, but as a system-level confrontation. Being concerned with their own interests in the global power, these two powers may undermine the current world order institutions, rules, and regulations. This could lead to deterioration of cooperation in areas such as climate change, nuclear proliferation, and human rights among other areas. Further, the competition might lead to arms races, higher spending on defence, and also potential chances of a deliberate or inadvertent conflict. The last two decades have seen deterioration of international norms, and the system of rules in the international relations threatens the stability of the world. Globalisation is a reality where international norms and standards are not strictly adhered to by great powers, thus making the world a volatile place. The disintegration of the global institutions also means continued loss of systems for the prevention of armed conflicts and maintaining international order, including the United Nations. To avoid these risks, the members of the global society should once again express commitment to international law, bolster institutions that are already in place, and foster conversation and collaboration between the superpowers.

Keywords: Great power competition, Global stability, International norms, International law, Rule-based international order