The New US and Europe, the Collapse of the Neocons, and the Rise of Asia: The Dawn of a Multipolar World Order

From World War I to the present, the global order shaped by the US and Europe has undergone a significant transformation, especially in the post-Cold War era, with the collapse of neocon policies and the rise of Asia. This shift has accelerated the transition to a multipolar world order, leading to the redefinition of military, economic, and geopolitical dimensions in international relations. In this context, Turkey’s strategic position and historical legacy also play a crucial role.

1. World War I, the Foundations of the Modern International System, and the Atlantic Order

World War I marked a turning point in modern international relations, reshaping global power dynamics. The post-war order sought international cooperation and balance of power following the devastating effects of the war (Demir, 2020). In the second half of the 20th century, the Atlantic Order, led by the United States, emerged as a global system within the framework of mutual deterrence policies with the Soviet Union (Brzezinski, 1997). However, the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the 1990s altered the fundamental parameters of this order. The rise and fall of neoconservative policies paved the way for new strategic orientations (Mearsheimer, 2001; Özdemir, 2025).

2. Historical Process: From World War I to the Cold War

2.1 World War I and Reconstruction

World War I profoundly altered Europe’s political landscape, leading to the collapse of old empires and the emergence of new state systems. The conflict laid the foundation for future international relations by shaping the power struggles and alliance policies of the 20th century (Aras & Yılmaz, 2019). Post-war treaties and reconstruction efforts positioned the United States as an emerging economic and military power.

2.2 World War II and the Formation of the Atlantic Order

World War II restructured the global order, with the United States emerging as the leader of the Atlantic Order through its military and economic dominance. The Bretton Woods system and international financial regulations solidified the US dollar as the global reserve currency, establishing a cornerstone of the capitalist world system (Kissinger, 2014; Nye, 2004).

2.3 The Cold War and Bipolar Order

During the Cold War, the ideological and geopolitical rivalry between the US and the Soviet Union structured global politics into a bipolar system. This period was defined by military alliances such as NATO and the Warsaw Pact, reinforcing the importance of balance-of-power strategies in international relations (Ikenberry, 2011).

3. The Post-1990 Period and the Evolution of Neocon Policies

3.1 The Transformation of the Post-Cold War Era

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990 radically changed the global order. Under a unipolar system, the US pursued neoconservative policies, particularly in the Middle East, through military interventions and NATO expansion, aiming to reshape geopolitical routes (Mearsheimer, 2001; Zakaria, 2008). However, the implementation of these strategies resulted in economic and political costs over time.

3.2 The Collapse of Neocon Policies and Alternative Approaches

By the late 2000s, neocon policies in the US and Europe began to face increasing scrutiny. Economic crises and unsuccessful military interventions led to a shift towards more pragmatic foreign policy approaches (Walt, 2018; Cook, 2025). This transformation contributed to the decline of the US-led global paradigm and the emergence of new power centers—particularly China and Russia.

4. The Rise of Asia and the Multipolar World Order

4.1 China’s Industrial Rise and Strategic Moves

The current international system is being reshaped by China’s rapid economic and industrial expansion. China’s dramatic increase in production capacity has surpassed the US’s post-1945 manufacturing dominance. Additionally, strategic initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative have strengthened China’s regional and global influence (Allison, 2017; Kaplan, 2012).

4.2 Russia’s Repositioning

Since 2008, Russia has pursued military modernization and strategic projects such as the Arctic Northern Route to redefine old power balances. Operations in Ukraine and regional security initiatives have reinforced Russia’s role as a key actor in Eurasia (Ersoy, 2018; Bremmer, 2012).

5. Turkey’s Strategic Position: A Historical Perspective

5.1 World War I and Its Aftermath

Turkey’s geopolitical position was shaped by the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and the challenges of post-World War I reconstruction. The Treaty of Lausanne and the Turkish War of Independence laid the foundation for Turkey’s foreign policy strategies, emphasizing independence and neutrality (Aras & Yılmaz, 2019).

5.2 The Cold War and Beyond: Active Neutrality Policy

During the Cold War, Turkey remained under NATO’s security umbrella while maintaining its geopolitical balance. The Montreux Convention and regional strategic initiatives enabled Turkey to develop balanced relations with both Europe and Eurasia (Ersoy, 2018).

6. Conclusion

The historical trajectory from World War I to the present illustrates the continuous evolution of the global order. The Atlantic Order, shaped by the US and Europe, initially expanded through neocon policies after the Cold War. However, the subsequent rise of Asia and Russia’s strategic maneuvers have challenged the unipolar system, signaling the emergence of a multipolar world order.

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(.) Sefa Yürükel, MA ( Master of Arts) University of Aarhus , 1997.
Anthropologists and Ethnographer