The article argues that the post-Cold War era of U.S. unipolarity, established by the perceived invincibility demonstrated during the Gulf War, has ended. This decline is driven by globalization and technological diffusion, which have democratized advanced military capabilities, allowing regional actors to challenge major powers. Consequently, policymakers must prepare for a more volatile international order marked by frequent crises, heightened costs for securing global trade chokepoints, and reduced predictability from American power. The new rules dictate that great powers can no longer effortlessly impose their will through force.
Navigating a changing global order: Ghana’s strategic priorities
English Summary
Ghana is strategically positioning itself as a key actor in the fragmenting, multipolar global order by adopting a policy of 'multi-alignment.' The nation is deepening its regional influence by promoting West African security cooperation and hosting the AfCFTA Secretariat, while simultaneously championing global justice and inclusive multilateralism. This strategy involves initiatives like the Accra Reset and leading UN efforts to recognize the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity. For policy makers, Ghana's approach suggests that African states are actively leveraging non-alignment to promote continental agency and contribute to a more balanced international governance system.
中文摘要
迦納正透過採納「多重定位」(multi-alignment)政策,策略性地將自身定位為碎片化、多極化全球秩序中的關鍵參與者。該國透過推動西非安全合作並承辦非洲大陸自由貿易區(AfCFTA)秘書處,深化其區域影響力;同時,它也積極倡導全球正義與包容性的多邊主義。此策略體現於「阿克拉重啟」(Accra Reset)等倡議,以及主導聯合國努力將跨大西洋奴隸貿易定性為危害人類罪行。對於政策制定者而言,迦納的做法顯示,非洲國家正積極利用不結盟的立場,以提升大陸的主體能動性,並為建立更平衡的國際治理體系做出貢獻。
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