What does a unipolar system signify in international relations?

A unipolar system in international relations is characterized by one major power that holds significant sway over global affairs. This dominant power typically influences international norms, economic practices, and security policies more than any other state. The singular presence of this power often shapes the international system's structure, leading to a significant impact on global politics, economics, and military strategy.

In a unipolar world, the leading state can set the agenda and have the capacity to mobilize resources and allies to maintain its position and influence. This creates a distinctly different dynamic compared to multipolar or bipolar systems, where power is distributed more evenly among several states or primarily shared between two dominant powers. In such scenarios, those states often have to negotiate and cooperate more extensively to maintain stability and influence.

The focus on one major power also allows it to respond to global challenges more decisively, whether they are economic crises, military conflicts, or issues like climate change, relying on its resources and capacity without needing to coordinate as extensively with other powers. Thus, a unipolar system uniquely emphasizes the centrality of a single actor in shaping international relations.