International political dynamics are currently experiencing increasing tension, triggered by various factors such as the conflict in Ukraine, tensions in the South China Sea, and changes in global alliances. In this context, state and non-state actors play an active role, with various strategies. One of the main drivers of international political dynamics is the armed conflict that occurred in Ukraine. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has triggered a broad response from the international community, including economic sanctions as well as military support for Ukraine from Western countries. This situation creates geopolitical uncertainty that affects the stability of the European region and triggers a spike in global energy prices. On the other hand, tensions in the South China Sea also influence international politics. China’s territorial demands in these strategic waters collide with the claims of neighboring countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia, and have led to a response from the United States which puts forward a free and open Indo-Pacific policy. This controversy has caused a shift in diplomatic alliances and cooperation, with ASEAN countries becoming increasingly cautious in advancing their interests. The US and its allies are trying to build a united front to stem China’s influence. In addition, Russia and China are intensifying cooperation, making the alliance a significant challenge to Western dominance. This cooperation includes military exercises and strategic collaborations that strengthen their position on the global stage. These dynamics clearly demonstrate increasing multipolarity in international politics. Climate change has also emerged as an important issue that should not be ignored in political dynamics. Countries around the world are increasingly realizing that environmental issues not only impact the health of the planet, but also social and political stability. Joint decisions in international forums such as COP26 show that there is a collective effort to face this challenge, although it is often hampered by national political interests. Social media plays an important role in the way information is disseminated and responded to by the public. Rapid and often unverified information can fuel tensions and significantly influence public opinion. The proliferation of fake news and disinformation has proven effective in influencing elections and policies in various countries, resulting in increased polarization. Technological competition between major countries, especially in the fields of artificial intelligence and cyber, is also an inevitable factor in this dynamic. Countries like the US and China are competing for technological superiority, creating new challenges in terms of national and global security. In an economic context, costs due to political tensions have increased. International trade is disrupted, prompting countries to explore new approaches to supply chains and promote protectionism. This condition affects investment flows and changes the global economic map. With the impact index, this tension has the potential to trigger open conflict in the long term. Diplomacy remains an important tool in reducing tensions and creating dialogue between countries. To face this challenge, collaborative and innovative efforts are needed to create more sustainable international peace and stability.
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