This book emerges from a period of profound transformation in international politics. As we navigate the complex terrain of the 21st century, traditional frameworks for understanding global affairs have proven increasingly inadequate. The post-Cold War optimism about liberal internationalism has given way to a more complicated reality characterized by multiple centers of power, diverse forms of governance, and interconnected challenges that transcend traditional boundaries. In conceptualizing this project, I have drawn inspiration from Amitav Acharya’s notion of a “Multiplex Era”—an international system that resembles a multiplex cinema, where different movies (or in this case, different international orders) run simultaneously on other screens, with viewers (or states and societies) choosing which ones to watch. This metaphor captures the complexity, diversity, and interconnectedness that define contemporary international politics better than traditional concepts like unipolarity, bipolarity, or multipolarity. My aim in this book is to provide a comprehensive analysis of current trends in international politics through this multiplex lens. Rather than offering simplistic predictions or prescriptions, I aim to illuminate the multifaceted nature of contemporary challenges and opportunities, providing scholars, policymakers, and citizens with analytical tools that can help them navigate this complex landscape.

ISBN 10: 9923432726

ISBN 13: 9789923432723