ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses shifts in the international order, the rise of new powers, and their competition for influence for smaller/weaker countries. It discusses balance of power theory, great power competition, and the role of weak states in the international system. It sets the stage for the chapters of the book arguing the following: (1) if China and Russia are expanding their military, political, and economic influence into weaker states globally, then the unipolar American order is unraveling; and (2) if the international system is multipolar, then great power balancing may enhance international security. However, balancing will be made difficult because of weak state aid-seeking behavior. When weak states engage competing great powers, they become spheres of competition for these great powers. Weak state behavior may increase global influence for challenger states, and thus alter the structure of the international system.
