Policy Brief: Power Diffusion - Essay Sample

The global corporate and political atmosphere is characterized by the dynamism of power shifts and diffusion among the developed nations. The struggle for global superiority, influence and the attainment of the respective national objectives have centralized decisions and efforts made by the leaders. Currently, the powerful rising nations are faced with emerging conflict of interest resulting in open differing ideologies pertaining critical global affairs.

For the case of Canada, the most appropriate international framework to abide by is the liberal perspective. It is an approach that emphasizes the need for complex interdependence among nations. It holds that even though the world appears to be a harsh place, the implications of applying the military power is disastrous and of minimal benefit. It, therefore, holds that international cooperation should be at the heart of every state (Keohane, 2012).

The theoretical framework of liberalism explains in totality the implications of the current rising global powers. History sparks that, in the past, when power diffusion was minimal, international cooperation was high. Nations such as China, India, and Russia were growing but with total adherence to unity. The current application of realism mentality is what has resulted in a conflict of interest making global powers such as the US to apply protectionism policies to hinder trading with Canada. It also, explains the failure of the trans-pacific trade deals (Lim, Elms, & Low, 2012) In other words, through the application of comparison perspective, the cooperation is reducing, and nations are becoming more selfish. It, therefore, implies that, in the next 20 years, if the realism mentality is not changed chances are high that the global powers may engage in a civil war. The uniqueness of liberal perspective is that it identifies the fact that nations are bound to suffer in a circumstance where they engage in a military warfare due to conflict of interest.

Currently, nations such as India, Russia, and China are competing for global power that has been held by the United States for years. Their drive is political and linked towards the economy as well. Advent in technology is another factor critical and which have contributed to the rise in conflicting ideologies. In the next 25 years, as much as the conflicting views appear to be breeding wars, no actual conflict may occur. The reason is that all nations especially the rising global powers are rooted in cooperation with other states that support them. As much as the differing ideologies intense, the decision to start a war does not rely on themselves but also the interest of their supporters. Notably, the current economic and political challenges emerged due to the inputs of a few nations and not all the rising powers.

It, therefore, means that chances of cooperation among nations in the next 25years are larger compared to that of engaging in a conflict. The reason being, as much as the United States is applying protectionism and appearing to be independent, the rising global powers are strengthening their relations economically and politically hence acquiring more ground that explains the rising chances of cooperation in the future.

Power diffusion is a risky undertaking as it breeds conflict and offers an opportunity for the smaller states to rise against the powerful ones. It is prudent that the actors take advantage of the situation to strengthen its economic power and influence through market integration policies (Hale, 2012). Furthermore, the actors are strengthened their military power due to lack of control and importantly safeguard the interest of its people against external exploitation. The prospects of cooperation are higher as all the rising nations understand that they cannot succeed to acquire global power without the input of other nations. It is, therefore, their duty to unite other countries under their economic umbrella to acquire the volume of support that they may need (Nye, 2016). Also, as at now, economic integration is the pillar that strengthens these nations and will do everything in their power to ensure that nothing is lost and the production capability and economic potential are maintained.

Also, the likelihood of war cannot be overruled. It has happened in the past, and therefore it may as well stand a chance. All the rising powers have strengthened their military powers and nuclear heads, but the reality behind their preparation is that the war may not occur since, if it happens many nations might suffer as a collateral damage. In a nutshell, cooperation is the key to liberal perspective, and therefore chances of cooperation stand higher compare to that of conflict.

For the Canadian government to make its determination or policy regarding the issue, some consideration must be put in place as follows:

Economic potential: - The economic status of Canada is currently not as stable as before. Its economy has been shaken by the trade restrictions placed by the United States (Dawson, 2012). The option for its survival is to make new trade agreements with other global powers especially China. The possible is for its survival and resource sustainability. Furthermore, being an economic move, it does not interfere with its relationship with the United States. Canada believes in liberalism and therefore should not be attached to a single economic power.

Political stability: - The political power of Canada is quite stable and places no challenges doing business with China or any other political power. After the increased trade tariffs with by the United States, Canada stood no option but strive to survive. Since the political situation in both Canada and China is welcoming, it is possible to make a clear determination.

Trade restrictions: - Canada is to focus on its development and economic agenda as opposed to the challenges emanating as a result of the struggle for power. It will be prudent to strike policies that favor economic integration with nations having potential markets for their products. The major considerations are the chances for free trade policies and market globalization.

Technological potential: - Technology is a factor that every nation prefers to be acknowledged with. The policies made in this case is to focus on the benefits that will accrue to a country and also boosts its technology. In reality, the future post-modern era is characterized by advanced technology level. It would, therefore, be prudent for Canada to take advantage of the power shifts for its advantage.

Interests of the people: - Before any decision is made, the interest of the people must be prioritized by the government. It would be dangerous and of no benefit to making policies that might ultimately make people suffer. Public opinion is critical in making strategic decisions and therefore must be respected.

Political liberalism, as opposed to realism, is embedded in the application of universal ethics, reason, and integration. It is a pillar and foundation of great nations. It has the following strengths.

First, it exhibits collective security strength in the global political atmosphere. Notably, nations depending on one another tend to stick together because, if one is attacked, the rest depending on it are bound to suffer unlike the realist notion linked on self-help. A good example is the 1990 invasion of Kuwait by Iraq, a phenomenon that made the international community to expel Iraq immediately.

Secondly, liberals assert that cooperation is the key to global harmony and therefore emphasizes on the need for unity as opposed to conflict of interest. Canada should follow suit and emphasize on its cooperation agenda.

Thirdly, liberalists, believe that the state should not interfere with the peoples lifestyle, freedom, and rights. Instead, minimal intervention might be placed provided they do not infringe on the people's rights.

Liberal perspective emphasizes on free trade, with no market restrictions or barrier as an instrumental element in enhancing international cooperation.

On the contrary, the international political approach of liberalism has some weaknesses as follow;

First, it largely exists in the western democracies, but they tend to export it to other nations that do not embrace equality, democracy, and freedom of speech which are a characteristic of the western values.

Secondly, the fact that it is mandated to achieve universal peace while upholding liberties is a strength but viewed as a weakness by other nations as they may try to take advantage to as to acquire concessions like the case of North Korea and the nuclear weapon. Finally, it makes the nations to give up their national sovereignty to join the various trade unions to strengthen national relations and build a good market for the products.

In conclusion, liberalism is critical for the survival of any country especially the emerging global powers. Even though the politics of interest exist, they are all politically motivated and will fade with time. It is therefore critical that the problem of power diffusion be solved as it is dangerous and may hinder peace attainment globally.

References

Dawson, L. R. (2012). Can Canada join the Trans-Pacific Partnership? Why just wanting it is not enough. Browser Download This Paper.

Hale, G. (2012). So near yet so far: The public and hidden worlds of CanadaUS relations. UBC Press.Keohane, R. O. (2012). Twenty years of institutional liberalism. International Relations, 26(2), 125-138.

Lim, C. L., Elms, D. K., & Low, P. (Eds.). (2012). The trans-pacific partnership: a quest for a twenty-first century trade agreement. Cambridge University Press.

Nye Jr, J. S. (2016). Bound to lead: The changing nature of American power. Basic Books.