Years of World Politics: What Has Changed?
World politics is a vast field that takes into account many different variables. It is impossible to cover an entire history of politics in a few thousand words; however, one can gain a general understanding of the most salient changes over the years. From the proliferation of international organizations and the emergence of major power dynamics to the rise of new economic structures and the prevalence of technology, this article will explore some of the major shifts that have taken place in world politics over time.
Pre-1945
The 20th century was a period of massive upheaval in world politics. Before 1945, the world was split into two distinct blocs – the communist bloc of the Soviet Union and its allies, and the non-communist bloc of the Western states.
At the outbreak of World War I, imperial powers such as the Austro-Hungarian, German, and Ottoman Empires had been locked in conflict for nearly a century. The Treaty of Versaille had attempted to restore a balance of power in Europe, although ultimately, the European nation-states were forced to fight in the aftermath of the Great War and several boundaries were redrawn.
In the wake of World War II, Japan and Germany were stripped of their colonies and underwent a process of rebuilding. This shift in power rearranged the balance of power in Europe, allowing the formerly powerful empires to enter into trading agreements and alliances. Additionally, the newly-formed United Nations provided a platform for states to cooperate and resolve international disputes.
1945-1979
In the wake of World War II, a new international system began to emerge. The Allied powers of the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union emerged as the major powers of the world. The Cold War began with a series of ideological, economic, and political confrontations. The impact of the Cold War was felt throughout the world as the two superpowers sought to extend their influence into areas under their control.
The period from 1945 to 1979 marked a transition in global politics as the institutionalization of international organizations such as the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and the European Community occurred. These organizations created a more stable framework for states to negotiate, bargain, and come to agreements. Many third world countries, having won their independence from imperial control, also assumed active roles in international politics as they sought to promote their agendas and gain international recognition.
During this time period, nuclear weapons also became a major problem. The United States and the Soviet Union raced to increase their nuclear arsenals, setting off a worldwide arms race that, fortunately, never led to total nuclear annihilation. The United States, in particular, viewed nuclear weapons as a deterrent against Soviet expansionism, though any war between the two superpowers would likely have untold consequences on the world at large.
1979-Present
The last few decades of world politics have been marked by some major changes and developments. So-called “third wave” of international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization, the North American Free Trade Agreement, and the African Union, allowed for the free flow of goods and services across international boundaries. This allowed for an unprecedented and rapid expansion of the global economy and facilitated the rise of multinational corporations.
In addition to the economic changes, technology and communications have also been revolutionized in the last few decades. The proliferation of the internet, smartphones, and social media has granted anyone with access to these tools the ability to broadcast their viewpoints, giving rise to a whole new form of political expression and mobilization.
The 21st century has also seen the emergence of powerful new players in global politics, such as China, India, and Brazil. These countries have used their large populations and economies to monumental effect in world discussions, giving small countries a much bigger voice in decision-making processes. China, in particular, has become a major player in global politics, with their influence ranging from economics to geopolitics.
World politics has certainly gone through immense changes throughout the last century, especially since 1945 when the two great powers of the United States and the Soviet Union began to compete for influence. The rise of international organizations and free trade agreements, the proliferation of technology, and the emergence of powerful new nations have all drastically changed the nature of global politics.
Whether these changes will ultimately make for a more stable and secure world remains to be seen as new challenges await in the 21st century. But one thing is certain: the political landscape of the world has been in constant flux and has been shaped by an ever-evolving set of actors.
