1. Introduction -- Pt. I. Identity and polarity -- 2. Identity -- 3. Polarity in theory and practice -- 4. Great powers : a troubled concept? -- 5. Rethinking definitions : superpowers, great powers and regional powers -- Conclusions to part I : the interplay of polarity and identity in IR theory -- Pt. II. Three scenarios for the future -- 6. Where we are now : one superpower and several great powers -- 7. Options for the future I : two or three superpowers and a few great powers -- 8. Options for the future II : no superpowers and several great powers -- Conclusions to part II : the interplay of polarity and identity in the three scenarios -- Pt. III. US foreign policy and the scope for action -- 9. Understanding the turn in US foreign policy -- 10. Conclusions : where to from here?
Summary
Arguing that we live in a world where great powers - such as China and the EU - are not helpless in the face of the United States, this text contends that the other major nations of the world must work alongside the US in order to counter-balance America's current dominance of the international political scene
Notes
Includes index
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages [196]-209) and index
