Abstract
This master thesis aims to explore the Russian and Chinese Challenge to American
dominance and the American Led World Order. The last few years world leaders
and experts have increasingly begun to talk about the coming of the multipolar
world – some even propose it already has arrived. The Purpose therefore is to
examine whether we can transition from unipolarity to multipolarity without a
great power war.
The theoretical Framework of this thesis draws on neorealism, classical realism,
and Organski’s power transition theory. Neorealism helps us understand how
nation units within the international system act towards each other, and to what
extent a change in capabilities affects the system. Classical realism provides an
understanding of the nations and how their leaders act. Organski’s Power
transition theory provides us with factors that can determine the likelihood of war,
while the determinants of national power help us understand whether Russia and
China can challenge America.
The outcome of the analysis shows that Russia and China do indeed possess the
capabilities necessary to challenge American dominance. While most of the factors
point towards a likelihood of war, there still is a reasonable chance that we can
transition without a great power war.