Political Science: The World Since 1991

• Political science entails the systematic study of politics.
• Political science examines the theory and practice of politics and political systems.
• Political science includes domains like political thought, ideology, institutions, and behavior.

The World Since 1991: An Overview

• Global politics experienced a turning point in 1991 with the Soviet Union's collapse.
• US unipolarity emerged as the Cold War ended.
• Globalization accelerated, impacting economies, cultures, and societies on a global scale.
• Terrorism, ethnic conflicts, and economic crises emerged as new challenges and conflicts.

Collapse of the Soviet Union

• The Soviet Union dissolved in December 1991, marking the end of decades of Cold War rivalry.
• Economic stagnation and political repression within the Soviet Union contributed to its downfall.
• Nationalism and independence movements gained traction in Soviet republics, accelerating the Soviet Union's collapse.
• Mikhail Gorbachev's perestroika (economic restructuring) and glasnost (openness) policies weakened the Soviet system.
• The August 1991 failed coup attempt further eroded the central government's authority.
• Fifteen independent states emerged from the collapse, including Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.

Rise of US Unipolarity

• Following the Soviet Union's collapse, the United States became the sole superpower.
• US influence spanned military, economic, and cultural dimensions.
• Some scholars contend that US unipolarity promoted peace and stability.
• Others criticize US dominance, citing interventions and the promotion of a specific world order.
• The US pursued a policy of promoting democracy and free markets globally.
• The rise of powers such as China and Russia challenged the unipolar moment.

Globalization

• Globalization is the increasing interconnectedness of countries through trade, investment, migration, and information flows.
• Technological advancements like the internet facilitated globalization.
• Globalization has led to economic growth and poverty reduction in certain countries.
• Globalization has resulted in increased inequality and job displacement in other countries.
• Cultural globalization involves the global spread of ideas, values, and cultural products.
• Critics claim that globalization leads to cultural homogenization and the erosion of local traditions.

New Challenges and Conflicts

• The post-Cold War era brought new challenges and conflicts.
• Terrorism, especially Islamist extremism, became a significant threat to global security.
• Ethnic conflicts erupted, often driven by historical grievances and power struggles.
• Economic crises such as the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98 and the global financial crisis of 2008-09 had far-reaching consequences.
• Climate change emerged as a major environmental and security challenge.
• The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction remained a concern.

Rise of China

• China's economic growth has transformed it into a major global power.
• China's growing influence has challenged US dominance in some respects.
• China has pursued a model of state-led capitalism, distinct from Western neoliberalism.
• China's foreign policy has focused on promoting its economic interests and expanding its regional influence.
• The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aims to connect China with other countries through infrastructure projects.
• China's rise has led to increased competition and cooperation with the United States.

Resurgence of Russia

• Under Vladimir Putin, Russia has sought to restore its great power status.
• Russia's foreign policy has aimed at protecting its geopolitical interests in its near abroad.
• Russia intervened in conflicts in Georgia and Ukraine, raising concerns about its intentions.
• Russia has strategically used its energy resources as a tool of foreign policy.
• Russia has sought to challenge the US-led international order.
• Russia has faced sanctions from Western countries due to its actions.

Regional Conflicts

• The Middle East has remained volatile, experiencing conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.
• The Arab Spring uprisings in 2011 resulted in political instability and civil wars.
• ISIS's rise posed a major threat to regional and international security.
• The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has remained a source of tension.
• Africa has faced challenges such as poverty, disease, and conflict.
• Extremist groups, such as Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab, have threatened stability in some African countries.

The War on Terror

• The September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States triggered the "War on Terror."
• The US initiated military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq.
• The War on Terror expanded to other countries, including Pakistan and Yemen.
• The War on Terror raised questions about human rights and civil liberties.
• Counterterrorism strategies encompassed military action, intelligence gathering, and law enforcement.
• The War on Terror significantly impacted US foreign policy and security.

Humanitarian Interventions

• Humanitarian interventions involve using military force to protect civilians from human rights abuses.
• The responsibility to protect (R2P) doctrine asserts states' responsibility to protect their populations and the international community's duty to intervene when states fail.
• Humanitarian interventions are controversial, sparking debates over their effectiveness and legitimacy.
• Some interventions, like the one in Kosovo in 1999, occurred without UN Security Council authorization.
• The UN Security Council authorized the intervention in Libya in 2011, leading to Muammar Gaddafi's overthrow.
• Critics argue that humanitarian interventions can be used as a pretext for pursuing ulterior motives.

The Rise of Populism

• Populism is a political ideology that emphasizes the common person and opposes elites.
• Populist movements have emerged in many countries, often driven by economic inequality and cultural anxieties.
• Populist leaders commonly employ nationalist rhetoric and appeal to nativist sentiments.
• Populism can manifest in different forms, including left-wing and right-wing populism.
• Populist leaders include Donald Trump in the United States, Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, and Viktor Orbán in Hungary.
• Populism's rise has posed challenges to liberal democracy and international cooperation.

The Future of World Politics

• The world is becoming more multipolar, with China, Russia, and other powers rising.
• Globalization is facing challenges due to trade wars, protectionism, and nationalism.
• Climate change will likely significantly impact global security and stability.
• Technological advancements like artificial intelligence are transforming societies and economies.
• The future of world politics hinges on how these challenges are addressed.
• International cooperation will be crucial in addressing global challenges.

Overview of global politics since 1991, marked by the Soviet Union's collapse and the end of the Cold War. Focus on resulting US unipolarity, accelerated globalization, and new global challenges.