impacts of great power competition on strategic studies

1. Strategic Studies
Article: The Impacts of Great Power Competition on Strategic Studies
Submitted to: Sir Saqib Hussain
Submitted by: Syed Muhammad Hammad Raza
Registration Number: 20M-UOC/IR-21
Semester: 6th (Morning)
Department of International Relations
University of Chakwal

2. Impacts of Great Power Competition on Strategic Studies
Great power competition is a term used to describe the rivalry between major powers for power
and influence. It is a recurring feature of international relations, and it has been a major driver of
conflict throughout history.
The current era of great power competition is often seen as beginning with the end of the Cold
War in 1991. The collapse of the Soviet Union left the United States as the sole superpower in
the world. However, the United States' power has been declining in recent years, and other
powers, such as China and Russia, have been rising. The rise of China and Russia has led to a
new era of great power competition. These two countries are challenging the United States for
global leadership, and they are competing for influence in a variety of areas, including
economics, military, and technology. The United States is still the most powerful country in the
world, but its power is declining. China is the fastest-growing major economy in the world, and
it is rapidly modernizing its military. Russia is a nuclear-armed power with a large military, and
it is trying to restore its influence in the post-Soviet space. The great power competition is likely
to continue for many years to come. However, it is clear that the competition will have a
significant impact on the future of the world.
The strategic conditions that have act as a driving force and given rise to the importance of great
power competition in the contemporary world are multifaceted. Several factors that have
contributed to these dynamics are as follow.
1. Shifting Global Power Balance:
One of the main forces behind great power competition is the shifting balance of power among
major governments. The historic dominance of established nations like the United States and
Europe in the west is being challenged by the development of rising powers like China, Russia,
and India in the east. Competition for resources, markets, and strategic advantage grows as these
emerging nations expand their economic, military, and geopolitical influence. The status quo is
challenged by the growth of rising countries like China, India, and regional players like Brazil or
Turkey. As these developing nations gain economic might, military prowess, and geopolitical
influence, they transform into formidable participants on the global stage. This challenge to
established powers triggers a competitive response as they seek to maintain their position and
protect their interests. Overall, the shifting global power balance creates an environment where
major powers are compelled to compete, this competition arises as established powers respond to
the rise of new and emerging powers, leading to an increased focus on great power dynamics and
their implications for global politics and security. For example the rapid rise of China as an
economic powerhouse and a global player has disrupted the traditional power balance. China's
sustained economic growth, technological advancements, and increasing military capabilities
have positioned it as a major challenger to the United States' global dominance. This power shift
has fueled competition between the two countries across various domains, including economics,
technology, military influence, and regional influence in Asia-Pacific.

3. 2. Security Dilemmas:
Great power competition is often fueled by security dilemmas, where one state's efforts to
enhance its own security are perceived as threatening by other states. The pursuit of military
modernization, alliances, and strategic posturing to protect national interests can lead to a
security dilemma, creating a cycle of mistrust, arms races, and geopolitical tensions. A security
dilemma occurs when one state's efforts to enhance its own security are perceived as threatening
by other states, leading to a cycle of mistrust and competitive actions. Overall, security dilemmas
create a complex and competitive environment among major powers. The perceptions of threat,
arms races, strategic posturing, alliances, and the risk of conflict all contribute to the rise in the
importance of great power competition.
3. Geopolitical Rivalries:
Geopolitical considerations, such as control over key strategic regions and resources, play
a significant role in great power competition. Access to vital resources, including energy,
minerals, and trade routes, becomes a source of contention among major powers seeking
to secure their economic interests and global influence.
4. Ideological and Normative Differences:
Competing ideologies and normative frameworks contribute to great power competition.
States with differing political systems, values, and norms often vie for influence and seek
to promote their respective models as dominant. This ideological dimension can
exacerbate tensions and competition, as states vie for ideological and cultural influence
on the global stage.
5. Technological Advancements:
Rapid advancements in technology, particularly in areas such as cyber capabilities,
artificial intelligence, space exploration, and advanced weaponry, have amplified the
stakes in great power competition. Access to and control over cutting-edge technologies
is seen as essential for maintaining a competitive edge and national security, leading to
intensified competition and innovation.
6. Economic Interdependence and Trade Rivalries:
Economic interdependence, while fostering cooperation and integration, can also fuel
great power competition. Trade rivalries, protectionism, and disputes over market access
can become contentious issues among major powers, leading to economic competition
and geopolitical tensions.
The strategic significance of great power competition in the world cannot be overstated. It shapes
the dynamics of international relations, influences the balance of power, and has far-reaching

4. implications for global security and stability. The following points highlight the key aspects of
its strategic significance:
Balance of Power:
Great power competition plays a pivotal role in shaping the balance of power among
major states. As major powers vie for dominance, influence, and resources, they engage
in a range of competitive activities, such as military build-ups, alliance formations, and
economic rivalries. This competition determines the distribution of power and has direct
implications for global stability and security.
Regional and Global Security:
Great power competition can have a significant impact on regional and global security.
The rivalries and tensions between major powers often spill over into regional conflicts,
proxy wars, and geopolitical maneuvering. The strategic significance lies in the potential
for these competitions to escalate into full-scale conflicts or trigger destabilizing actions
in sensitive regions. It requires careful management and diplomacy to prevent conflicts
and maintain stability.
Geopolitical Influence:
Great power competition is inherently tied to the pursuit of geopolitical influence and
control over strategic regions. Major Powers seek to expand their spheres of influence,
gain access to resources, and shape the international order according to their interests.
The strategic significance lies in the ability to project power, establish alliances, and
shape regional dynamics. It impacts the political landscape and determines the
distribution of power in key regions.
Global Governance and Institutions:
Great power competition influences global governance structures and international
institutions. Major Powers seek to shape and influence international organizations and
multilateral institutions to reflect their interests and perspectives. The strategic
significance lies in the ability to shape global governance systems, norms, and decision-
making processes. It determines the rules-based international order and can impact the
effectiveness and legitimacy of international institutions.
Great power competition holds immense strategic significance. It affects the balance of power,
regional and global security, economic stability, technological advancements, geopolitical
influence, ideological narratives, and global governance. Understanding and managing this

5. competition is crucial for maintaining global stability, fostering cooperation, and addressing
shared challenges in the contemporary world.
In the contemporary world, China and Russia have emerged as formidable challengers to the
longstanding dominance of the United States. China's assertive pursuit of economic connectivity
through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, coupled with its military modernization
efforts, challenges traditional U.S. influence in the Asia-Pacific region. Similarly, Russia's
actions in Crimea, Ukraine, and Syria demonstrate its intent to reclaim its global influence and
disrupt Western efforts. The rise of China and Russia as challengers to U.S. dominance reshapes
the geopolitical landscape, posing strategic challenges and necessitating a recalibration of
international relations. In response to the challenges presented by China and Russia, the United
States employs a multifaceted approach that combines diplomatic engagement, economic
measures, and military strategies. Through strengthening alliances, promoting fair trade
practices, and maintaining military superiority, the U.S. aims to protect its interests and preserve
its position as a global power. By leveraging its diplomatic networks, pursuing economic policies
that safeguard its economic interests, and maintaining a strong military presence, the U.S. seeks
to counter the actions of China and Russia and uphold its strategic influence in the contemporary
world.
In the context of great power competition involving China, USA, and Russia, the aims and
objectives of each country are based on their specific geopolitical interests and strategic
considerations.
China aims to strengthen its position as a global economic powerhouse and expand its economic
influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. It seeks to secure access to
resources, markets, and strategic infrastructure projects. China seeks to enhance its regional
influence, in the South China Sea and East China Sea. China has also act as a mediator between
Suadi Arabia and Iran and helped them resolve the tensions.
Russia aims to regain and maintain its influence in the post-Soviet space, including regions like
Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It seeks to project power, protect its sphere of influence, and
challenge Western dominance in these regions.
Russia also aims to ensure its national security and protect its territorial integrity. It seeks to
counter perceived threats, including NATO expansion, and maintain a credible defense posture.
Russia also aims to challenge the unipolar world order dominated by the United States.
The United States, as a major player in the global power game, pursues several aims and
objectives to safeguard its national interests and maintain its position as a global power. These

6. include preserving its global primacy and leadership role, ensuring the security of its allies and
partners, protecting its economic interests through fair trade practices, and promoting democratic
values and human rights. The United States also seeks to counter the actions and influence of
rival powers, such as China and Russia, by strengthening alliances, maintaining military
superiority, and advancing technological innovation. Additionally, the U.S. aims to shape the
international order by upholding international norms, addressing global challenges, and
promoting stability and cooperation among nations.
The current landscape of great power competition is characterized by several challenges that
impact global dynamics. These challenges include intensifying geopolitical rivalries between
major powers, particularly the United States, China, and Russia, as they vie for influence and
seek to assert their respective interests at regional and international level. Technological
advancements, particularly in areas such as cyber security, artificial intelligence, and space
exploration, present both opportunities and risks in the competition for dominance. Economic
interdependence and trade tensions, along with emerging non-state actors and transnational
threats, further complicate the competitive landscape. Additionally, competition over resources,
territorial disputes, ideological clashes, and competing visions for regional and global
governance contribute to the complexity of the great power competition in the contemporary
world.