Power Problems Embracing Multipolarity
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Jul 22, 2025 
Emma Ashford, a Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center and author of 'First Among Equals,' shares insights on U.S. foreign policy in a multipolar world. She unpacks the concept of ‘unbalanced multipolarity’ and discusses the need for the U.S. to adapt amidst rising global powers like China. Delving into U.S.-Taiwan relations, she emphasizes strategic ambiguity and the balance between supporting Taiwan and avoiding escalation. Ashford also critiques the shift toward economic coercion, advocating for constructive partnerships to navigate a complex international landscape.
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Understanding Unbalanced Multipolarity
- The future global order is "unbalanced multipolarity" with the US and China as dominant powers and several secondary regional powers.
- This differs from the unipolar US dominance post-1990s and the rigid bipolar Cold War system.
Four Tribes of U.S. Foreign Policy
- Four main U.S. foreign policy groups are America First Hawks, Liberal Primacists, Progressive World Builders, and Realist Restrainers.
- These groups differ along axes of hawkishness and nationalism versus internationalism, shaping the debate.
Realist Internationalism Explained
- Realism focuses on the national interest and not necessarily internationalism.
- Emma proposes "realist internationalism," engaging globally with diverse tools, not just hard power or isolation.
