Theory of Unipolar Politics

Theory of Unipolar Politics studies the durability and peacefulness of the post-Cold War international system.

Nuno P. Monteiro (Author)

9781107061804, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 21 April 2014

296 pages, 10 b/w illus. 7 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.57 kg

'… [Monteiro's] crisp account offers a strong theoretical argument and vivid empirical evidence … Impressively, he eschews determinist claims about both the inevitability of American decline and the perpetuation of America's international advantage. Instead, he identifies crucial choices that face policy makers in the United States, China, and in smaller states whose decisions will shape the evolution of international politics over the coming decades.' Avery Goldstein, David M. Knott Professor of Global Politics and International Relations, University of Pennsylvania

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States has enjoyed unparalleled military power. The international system is therefore unipolar. A quarter of a century later, however, we still possess no theory of unipolarity. Theory of Unipolar Politics provides one. Dr Nuno P. Monteiro answers three of the most important questions about the workings of a unipolar world. Is it durable? Is it peaceful? What is the best grand strategy a unipolar power such as the contemporary United States can implement? In our nuclear world, the power preponderance of the United States is potentially durable but likely to produce frequent conflict. Furthermore, in order to maintain its power preponderance, the United States must remain militarily engaged in the world and accommodate the economic growth of its major competitors, namely, China. This strategy, however, will lead Washington to wage war frequently. In sum, military power preponderance brings significant benefits but is not an unalloyed good.

1. Introduction
2. Conceptualizing unipolarity
3. The scope of unipolar strategic choice
4. The sources of competition under unipolarity
5. Competition in the post-Cold War
6. The sources of conflict under unipolarity
7. Conflict in the post-Cold War
8. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: International relations [JPS], Politics & government [JP]