Keywords: balance of power, geoeconomics, alliances, multilateralism, strategic rivalry, Indo-Pacific
Abstract
This paper examines the dynamics of political relationships among states by integrating major International Relations (IR) theories—realism, liberalism, and constructivism—with empirical evidence from three contemporary case studies: (1) U.S.–China strategic rivalry, (2) the Russia–Ukraine war and its effects on European security, and (3) the Indo-Pacific institutional response (QUAD, AUKUS, regional strategies).
