The Modern Cold War: How World Politics is Reshaping

The Modern Cold War describes global tensions between major powers focused on power, influence, and ideology. In recent years, we have witnessed the rise of rivalry between the United States and China, which has profoundly affected world politics. China’s rise as a global power has created strategic challenges for the US, which has long been considered the world leader. One of the key aspects of the Modern Cold War is technological competition. Innovations in the fields of artificial intelligence, cyber security and 5G are becoming the new battlefield. The US is trying to maintain its leading position with large investments in basic technology, while fighting China’s efforts to dominate the sector. This can be seen from the ban on Chinese companies, such as Huawei, from accessing advanced technology in the US and its allied countries. Economics also played a major role in the Modern Cold War. Global dependence on China’s supply chains has sparked concerns in the US and Europe. These countries are seeking to reduce their dependence by encouraging initiatives such as reshoring and diversifying supply sources. Indonesia, as a country that has the potential to become an alternative, can play an important role in meeting this need, with its abundant natural resource potential. On the other hand, geopolitics in the Asia-Pacific region is increasingly complex. Tensions in the South China Sea, where China faces several neighboring countries, have become a hot spot that has attracted global attention. The US is strengthening its defense partnerships with countries such as Japan, India and Australia in the context of the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), seeking to balance China’s power in the region. Climate change also influences the dynamics of international politics. Countries are now increasingly aware of the pillars of sustainability that are not only related to the environment, but also to political and economic stability. Green diplomacy is becoming a new focus, where countries seek to collaborate in facing the challenge of climate change, which can affect the map of global alliances. Protests and social movements in various parts of the world also played a role in the Modern Cold War. The rise of nationalism and populism, especially in Western countries, has changed the way the world interacts. Dissatisfaction with globalization and economic injustice drives individuals to demand change, which often triggers divisions in society. Media and information play a key role in shaping public opinion and foreign policy. With disinformation and propaganda on the rise, countries are racing to control the global narrative. Social media platforms are used to amplify ideologization and mobilization, making them an important tool in the Modern Cold War. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact, narrowing global rivalries and creating distrust between countries. Control over vaccine distribution and access to health technology are important elements of diplomacy. Countries that have more capacity in this regard are trying to strengthen their influence on the global stage. This trend shows that the Modern Cold War is not just about military conflict, but also about diplomacy, economics, technology and the environment. Countries must adapt quickly to overcome new challenges. Looking to the future, these dynamics have the potential to change the world’s geopolitical map, which was previously dominated by old power structures, towards a new complex and multi-dimensional order, where coordination and cooperation are more important than ever.