Emerging international system: emerging powers and regional multipolarity in the case of Turkey

Abstract

This study proposes a new approach to understanding the post-Cold War world order by examining the changing structure of the international system through the conceptual framework of regional multipolarity. Drawing on systemic theories in international relations and the concept of multi-level institutional multipolarity, the article argues that emerging powers increasingly pursue their national interests through regional rather than global institutions. The analysis, taking Turkey as an example, shows that emerging powers are expanding their political, economic, and cultural influence by instrumentalising regional organisations while maintaining their relations with global institutions. The analysis defines four fundamental principles of regional multipolarity. Firstly, regional organisations encompass not only economic but also political, security, and cultural dimensions. Secondly, emerging powers strengthen their regional autonomy while maintaining their global membership. Thirdly, they establish and lead regional structures independently of superpowers, and lastly, they engage in strategic interaction within multiple regional blocs. The study argues that increasing regional organisations, spearheaded by emerging powers, signals that the global order is evolving into a multipolar international system based on regional organisations, defined as “regional multipolarity”.