Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • US-Israel-Iran
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • Western Hemisphere
    • NATO
    • China
    • Syria
  • Analysis
    • Research
    • Q&A
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / Grand strategy / As American global hegemony ends, multi-alignment rises
Grand strategy

May 18, 2024

As American global hegemony ends, multi-alignment rises

By Andrew Latham

Forget the “Pax Americana.” The unipolar moment, that brief interlude where the United States reigned supreme, is over. China’s rise, coupled with a growing discontent with the American-led rules-based international order, has ushered in a new era: a multipolar world with multiple power centers jostling for influence.

This dynamic shift demands a new foreign policy strategy on the part of all states. Enter multi-alignment, a strategic response to this new multipolar reality that involves countries forging partnerships across ideological and geopolitical divides to advance their national interests.

Unlike the rigid alliances of the Cold War, multi-alignment involves a strategic flexibility that empowers nations to navigate the complexities of a multipolar world. These partnerships are often issue-specific and impermanent, allowing countries to cooperate with different great powers depending on the context.

Read at The Hill

Author

Photo of Andrew Latham

Andrew
Latham

Non-Resident Fellow

Defense Priorities

The Latest

In the mediaUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

CVA Hosted Panel: The Iran Conflict Explained

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

March 11, 2026

In the mediaUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

IEA Announces Largest Ever Global Strategic Petroleum Reserves Release

Featuring Rosemary Kelanic

March 11, 2026

Op-edUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

Is an Off-Ramp With Iran Possible?

By Daniel DePetris

March 10, 2026

Op-edWestern Hemisphere

Trump can win in Cuba without regime change

By Daniel DePetris

March 10, 2026

Op-edUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

Militarily, the Iran war is a success. But what are the U.S. goals?

By Daniel DePetris

March 10, 2026

Op-edUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

Trump’s war against Iran is uniquely unpopular among U.S. military actions of the past century

By William Walldorf

March 10, 2026

Events on Grand strategy

See All Events
virtualGlobal posture, Grand strategy, Military analysis

Assessing the 2026 NDS: What comes next?

February 9, 2026
virtualEurope and Eurasia, Asia, Grand strategy

Assessing the 2026 NDS: Alignment with restraint?

February 9, 2026
virtualNATO, Alliances, Burden sharing, Europe and Eurasia, Grand strategy

Assessing the 2026 NDS: Will it usher in burden shifting?

February 9, 2026

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • Research
  • Experts
  • About
  • For Media
  • Jobs
  • Donate
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact
© 2026 Defense Priorities Foundation. All rights reserved.