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Introduction: Multipolarity and Unipolarity after the Cold War Read chapter Read first chapter

2017 | OriginalPaper | Chapter

2. Polarity: The Emergence and Development of a Concept

Author : Goedele De Keersmaeker

Published in: Polarity, Balance of Power and International Relations Theory

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

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Abstract

The emergence and development of polarity as a concept in IR theory results from changes in international relations after World War II. Bipolarity described the rise of two superpowers leading two opposite ideological, economic and military alliances or blocs. Neorealist argued that only the presence of two great powers was a structural element. This is called power polarity (power bipolarity). The bipolarization of the system into two clusters (cluster bipolarity) was not considered structural. Moreover, analysts often use different definitions of power polarity, some making a distinction between polar powers (superpowers), who define the polarity configuration and ordinary great powers (often the members of the Security Council) who do not.

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previous chapter Introduction: Multipolarity and Unipolarity after the Cold War
next chapter The Bipolar Cold War and Polarity Theory
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Metadata
Title
Polarity: The Emergence and Development of a Concept
Author
Goedele De Keersmaeker
Copyright Year
2017
Book
Polarity, Balance of Power and International Relations Theory

Print ISBN: 978-3-319-42651-8

Electronic ISBN: 978-3-319-42652-5

Copyright Year: 2017

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42652-5_2