This book presents the theoretical-historical-comparative political framework needed to fully grasp the truly dynamic nature of 21st century global affairs. The author provides a realistic assessment of the shift from U.S predominance to a new mix of counterbalancing rival middle-tier and assertive regional powers, while highlighting those geopolitical zones of contention most critical for future international stability. The book will appeal to scholars and policy makers interested in understanding the contours of the emerging world order, and in identifying its principal shapers and leading political actors.

Outlines current and future challenges of a rebalancing international political system Addresses important regional power conflicts around the world Contributions by regional specialists and country experts

Autorentext
Aharon Klieman is senior editor of The Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs and chair of the Research Committee on Geopolitics of The International Political Science Association. A member of Tel-Aviv University's Political Science Department since 1969, he has held visiting appointments in International Relations and Israel Studies at Georgetown University, The University of Chicago, The University of Denver, The University of Michigan, U.C.L.A, The Watson Institute for International Studies at Brown University, and Trinity College, Dublin. Areas of teaching and research interest include: Balance of Power Theory, Geopolitics, Foreign Policy Decision Making, the Middle East in World Affairs, Israeli Foreign Relations, the Arab-Israeli Conflict & Peace Process, and Traditions of Jewish Statecraft.

Inhalt

Preface.- Introduction.- Pushing Back. The Balance and Balancing of Power.- The Rise of the Others: Can the U.S. Stay on Top?.- Interdependence, Balancing and Conflict in Russian-Turkish Relations.- Congruous or Conflicting? Great Power Configurations in the Balkans.- Competing Hegemons: EU and Russian Power Projection in the South Caucasus.- Russian Perspectives on U.S.-China Relations and the 21st-Century Global System.- Is Russia a Great Power in Asia?.- The Eurasian Great Power Triangle.- Pulling Their Punches: BRIC Foreign Policies in the Middle East.- Strategic Hedging by Non-Great Powers in the Persian Gulf.- Conclusions. Towards a New Equilibrium.