MULTIPOLARITY OF THE GLOBAL SPACE: STRATEGIC UNDERSTANDING OF GEOPOLITICAL TRENDS

This article explores polycentrism as a defining feature of the emerging world order. It examines how the shift from a unipolar to a polycentric international system transforms global power dynamics, fosters regionalization, and reshapes international relations. The study focuses on the growing influence of regional centers formed around economically and politically strong states and associations. It highlights the increasing autonomy of semi-peripheral countries that create independent axes of influence, weakening traditional global dominants. As polycentrism advances, foreign policy strategies shift from hierarchical dominance to more flexible, multilateral approaches, enabling middle-ranked states to pursue cooperation, neutrality, or strategic confrontation. Regionalization emerges as a key driver in forming a mosaic-like global structure, where macro-regions act as autonomous power centers. Strengthened regional integration and leadership allow these regions to project influence globally, contributing to a decentralized but interconnected polycentric order supported by economic specialization and dynamic coalitions.