Bipolarism by Andrew Eze

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BIPOLARISM

     This is a concept used in international relations to refer to the situation in which there are two dominant or opposing forces or powers in the international system. Onuoha (2008: 207) noted that bipolarity “is characterized with two roughly equal actors or coalition of actors.”  According to Obi, Ozor and Nwokoye (2008:148) “a bipolar world emerged out of the ruins of the World War II. One faction headed by the United States, the other by the USSR.” This led to unhealthy rivalry between the two super powers. 

    This system of power configuration was obtainable during the Cold War in which the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) were opposed to each other. Heywood (2007:134) rightly stated that “…the emergency of two superpowers implied inevitable rivalry and tension, meaning that the bipolar world order was destined to be characterized by hostility, even though that hostility is to be contained by a balance of power.” Many analysts have predicted that the world will return into bipolarity due to the way China is waxing stronger to challenge the United States hegemonian power which may lead to balance of power. (See Cold War,

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