Great Power Rivalry and the Shifting World Order Since 2001: A Realist Study of US- China Competition

Abstract

In 21st century where USA uni-polar dominance shattered at the same time global power structure observed a shift in the form of emerging new alliances and making the world multi-polar in nature.  This study evaluate the relations between USA-China using the theoretical lens of realism specially Power Transition Theory and Offensive Realism. This research will also analyze how economy, politics, military and technological advancement has paved the ways to reshaped relations and at the same spot maximizing the competition between the two rivals. This research also highlights the perspective of USA regarding the rapid growth  in technology, expansion of relations related to economy and politics and advancement in military capabilities, which USA observes as threat for its hegemonic stability. This research is conducted by using secondary data and descriptive qualitative approach to identify US dominance decline and China’s emergence as a new global favourite state. This study concludes that USA-China rivalry will have an impact on the international system as uni-polar world will be transformed into multi polar world in the 21st century.