In recent years, the international system has witnessed an unprecedented state of erosion and disintegration, as the rules upon which it was founded after World War II are being eroded in favour of the logic of power and narrow interests. This is clearly evident in the dimensions of the American-Israeli war on Iran, the effects of which were not limited to the military aspect, but extended to include the disruption of energy markets and global supply chains, thus exacerbating international instability. This war also revealed the limits of American power, as it was unable to decisively win the conflict despite its superiority, in the face of a developing country that has been subject to sanctions for more than four decades. This reality has contributed to escalating tensions, weakening the prestige of the international system, and opening the door for other powers to reshape the balance of power.

 

At its core, the international system is based on a set of rules and institutions that regulate relations between states, such as respect for sovereignty, the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, and the promotion of economic and trade cooperation. However, these rules are facing escalating challenges, particularly from major powers that were supposed to be the primary guarantors of the system's stability. The issue is no longer limited to isolated violations, but rather a systematic reinterpretation or circumvention of the rules, reflecting a shift in the nature of international behaviour. Recent analyses indicate that what is happening is a gradual dismantling of the system from within, not merely an occasional violation by peripheral actors.

 

The primary beneficiaries of this undermining are the major powers seeking to reshape the system to serve their strategic interests. When international rules are marginalised, military and economic power become the main determinants of international relations, granting major powers greater ability to impose their will. In this context, one can observe how tools such as economic sanctions, limited wars, and control over vital resources are employed as means of redistributing global influence.

 

The role of the United States, historically the architect of the international system, is clearly evident here. However, in some recent policies, it has tended to undermine the system or reinterpret its rules to serve its direct interests. Instead of adhering to multilateralism, unilateral policies are being pursued, redefining concepts like trade and alliances, transforming them from instruments of cooperation into tools of pressure and coercion. This has led to a reshaping of international relations based on "deals" rather than long-term commitments.

 

On the other hand, rising powers, such as China and Russia, are benefiting from this erosion of the international system, as it allows them to expand their influence without strict constraints. With the declining effectiveness of international institutions, they are able to act more freely in their spheres of influence through various political, economic and military instruments. These powers are also investing in strategic vacuums to strengthen their alliances and build alternative arrangements to the existing order, whether through economic blocs or security partnerships. This makes the undermining of the international system a real opportunity to redistribute the balance of power globally and consolidate their position as influential poles. However, the beneficiaries are not limited to major powers; they also include some non-state actors, such as multinational corporations and transnational networks of interests.

 

In the absence of strict international controls, these entities can achieve greater profits and influence, especially in the fields of energy and technology. Recent crises have demonstrated how vital resources, such as oil and gas, can be transformed into tools of economic and political dominance, bolstering the influence of certain actors at the expense of international stability.

 

Conversely, the rise of new powers, such as China, can be viewed as an opportunity to rebuild a more balanced and equitable international system. Instead of a monopoly on power, multipolarity allows developing and smaller states greater room to maneuver and protect their interests within more diverse economic and development partnerships. Furthermore, the development and investment initiatives led by these powers contribute to strengthening infrastructure and supporting economic stability, which in turn positively impacts human security. In this context, a redistribution of power could lead to a more stable international system based on cooperation and shared development, rather than hegemony and conflict.

 

What we are witnessing today is not merely a passing crisis, but a structural shift in the nature of the international system. Instead of a rules-based system, we are facing a system moving towards “organized anarchy” or an unstable multipolarity, where major powers compete without a comprehensive framework to regulate this competition. This poses a significant challenge to the international community: can the international system be rebuilt on new foundations, or is the world headed toward a prolonged period of instability?

 

Ultimately, the transformations in the international system can be viewed as an opportunity for a more balanced redistribution of power, led by rising powers such as China and Russia, thereby limiting monopolies and strengthening multilateralism. In this context, the impact extends beyond major powers, offering smaller states broader opportunities to benefit from new economic and development partnerships and diversify their international relations, moving away from traditional pressures. These transformations also contribute to creating a more balanced international environment that supports economic stability and human security. Consequently, the world may move toward a more just and stable system, in which smaller states enjoy security and development within a more comprehensive framework of international cooperation.

 

 

Hasan Al-Dajah — Professor of Strategic Studies at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University