Online published on 19 July, 2016.
The evolution of the international system demonstrates the realistic view that states pursue national interests in a largely lawless global arena where only power counts. This paper looks at the major current rivalries between the US and China in the Asia-Pacific region, India, China and Pakistan in South Asia and between Saudi Arabia and Iran as well as the US and Russia in West Asia. On the other hand, it also highlights the gradual reconciliation processes between the US and Iran, Washington and Havana as well as the increasing bonds between China and Russia. It concludes by pointing out that despite the multipolar character of the current reality, the power struggle between the US and China, which evokes comparisons with the rivalry between Britain and Germany a century ago, is a dominant feature of the geopolitical map.
