Economist: The Pandemic Ended U.S. Global Dominance, Ushering in a 'Non-Polar' Era

The Post-Pandemic Shift in Global Power

According to ХВИЛЯ: In an interview with political analyst Yuriy Romanenko, economist Oleksiy Kushch argued that the coronavirus pandemic served as a historic turning point for the international order. He contends that this global crisis brought an end to the unipolar world system that existed from 1990 to 2020, a period defined by the United States' dominant role on the global stage. This analysis challenges the common view of a multipolar world emerging, with Kushch asserting that the post-2020 reality is better described as 'non-polar.'

The Pandemic's Impact on World Politics

Kushch identified the start of the pandemic in 2020 as the critical juncture. He stated:

“That was the stage of a unipolar world with one hegemon-the United States. It was precisely this world-system that allowed Fukuyama to write about the end of history.”

Oleksiy Kushch

For Kushch, the pandemic was not merely a starting point but a definitive watershed-'a global historical divide between two eras: the unipolar world and the world that came after.'

He clarified that the new world order is not multipolar. From a geopolitical perspective, he argues that 'if there are many poles, then in the context of geopolitics, they do not fulfill the role of a pole as such.' This viewpoint underscores the need to understand the profound shifts in international politics triggered by the pandemic and their impact on global structures. The concept of a 'non-polar' world suggests a more diffuse and chaotic distribution of power, rather than a neat balance between several major states.

The transformation Kushch describes points to deep changes in world politics with potential long-term consequences for the global economy and security. It highlights the necessity for nations to adapt their foreign policy strategies to these new realities. Given this significant shift, the future evolution of international relations will undoubtedly require careful observation and analysis.