International Journal on Criminology Volume 6, Number 1, Spring 2018 | Page 5

International Journal on Criminology
- The Reconfiguration of International Power Relations
and Strategies of Power
These security crises and economic tensions both accompany and explain a redistribution
of power at the global level. With them we are seeing a return to the fore
of assertive, and sometimes highly aggressive, strategies of power, with an alarming
level of risk-taking by some actors. They attest to a significant reconfiguration
of international power relations. As in all phases of transition in power relations,
we are living in a time where disruption and the risks of surprise have become the
standard for strategic reasoning and action.
The leveling of power relations has enabled the development of conflict-creating
strategies, which are deployed not only across territories in which a particular
country may seek to establish a hegemonic position, but also in newly disputed
spaces at the heart of globalization, from the marine and outer space spheres to
cyberspace. We are witnessing the return of postures of intimidation, and the obsession
of some with constructing spheres of influence with a view to sharing the
planet between a few Great Nations, the product of a pure relationship of force. The
proliferation of crises at the meeting points of these projected spheres of influence
is proof of the instability to which this kind of strategy leads. These new imperial
aspirations may also result from regional powers taking advantage of weakening
states and bringing over a particular armed or political group onto their side. This
international order is highly unstable as it makes competition the norm, based on
relationships of force that are constantly in flux and—contrary to all the lessons of
the last century—allow little room for the lawful state.
- Multilateralism in Crisis
In parallel, we see the multilateral organizations that regulate the international
order weakening. As the rules of the multilateral game are increasingly called into
question, there is a growing temptation to withdraw and play the game of solitaire.
And yet the promotion of international norms is now more crucial than ever in
the face of the global challenges that affect us all. Across all areas, from security,
climate, and trade, to energy, health, and education, not to mention cyberspace,
the interdependence of our world means that solutions can only arise from coordinated
international action. Ongoing global uncertainties and disruption doubtless
make this more difficult to achieve than in the past; but it is no less crucial.
- The Battleground of Ideology
The level of international tension has thus reached its highest peak for decades, but
I would add that the potential for conflict is not limited to the military or economic
sectors. It also affects the sphere of ideology: of representations and values. We
are now rediscovering that this area can also be a battleground.
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