For much of the last century, the West, led by the United States, stood united under the ideological banner of freedom and democracy. The Cold War era and its aftermath saw this alliance solidify, creating what many called a unipolar global order dominated by the US. However, the ideological battles that defined the 20th century have faded, and new fractures are emerging within this once-unshakeable alliance. The rise of a multipolar world, defined by the competing powers of the US, China, and the European Union, is now inevitable.
The shifting dynamics between the US and Europe provide clear evidence of a splintering Western alliance. At the United Nations, a recent vote commemorating the third anniversary of the Ukraine-Russia conflict captured this tension. European diplomats proposed a resolution firmly blaming Russia for the war and reiterating support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. While the resolution passed with 93 votes, the US took the extraordinary step of voting against it, finding itself in the company of Russia. The US then abstained on a separate resolution after it was amended to include language supporting Ukraine, highlighting its own pivot away from Europe’s approach.
The US also opened direct negotiations with Russia without consulting the EU — a move that signals a breakdown in trans-Atlantic coordination. Europe, in turn, voted to support Ukraine without waiting for US approval, demonstrating an emerging independent foreign policy. These developments underscore the growing divide between the US and its European allies, which are increasingly seeking to chart their own course in global affairs.
European powers have begun taking significant steps to reduce their reliance on the US, both militarily and politically. Germany, the EU’s largest economy, has emerged as a vocal proponent of this shift. Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, has been explicit in his vision for a more-autonomous Europe. “My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the USA,” Merz recently declared. He even questioned the future relevance of NATO in its current form, suggesting that Europe may need to establish an independent defense capability.
Merz’s remarks reflect a growing consensus within Europe that the trans-Atlantic alliance is under strain. But Germany faces significant hurdles in taking on a leadership role. It lacks nuclear capabilities, is not a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and struggles with an economy that has been battered by global disruptions and internal challenges.
The rise of a multipolar world is not without risks. Competing interests and rivalries between major powers could lead to instability and conflict. But it also presents an opportunity to create a more balanced and inclusive global order, in which no single nation dominates, and where cooperation is prioritized over confrontation
This leaves room for other European powers to step up. The United Kingdom, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has announced a “coalition of the willing” aimed at guaranteeing peace in Ukraine and shaping a Western foreign policy independent of the US. This coalition includes EU members, Canada, and NATO allies, signaling a concerted effort by Europe to assert itself on the global stage.
France, too, is making bold moves. At a special European Council meeting on defense, French President Emmanuel Macron proposed extending the protection of France’s nuclear arsenal to its European partners. This offer underscores France’s ambition to lead Europe’s defense agenda at a time when reliance on the US appears increasingly untenable.
These developments paint a clear picture of a Europe that is preparing to pursue its own foreign policy, independent of American influence. With the UK, France, and potentially Germany vying for leadership, the natural and reasonable effect is the rise of a multipolar world, where the EU emerges as a distinct geopolitical power alongside the US and China.
The rise of a multipolar world presents significant opportunities for China. While the US has initiated trade and technology wars and sought to contain China, China can see the fragmentation of the Western alliance as a chance to strengthen its own global position.
Under the Trump administration, the US launched trade wars not just with China but with its own allies, including Canada, Europe and India. In an effort to placate Washington, some countries made concessions. For example, India slashed import duties on heavyweight motorcycles, including Harley-Davidson, in a bid to avoid US tariffs. Similarly, Europe increased its purchases of US liquefied natural gas and other goods, hoping to stave off punitive measures.
But China should realize that such appeasement will not resolve the deeper issue: Containing China to maintain its global hegemony has become a strategic priority for Washington, as evidenced by its aggressive policies on trade, technology, and military alliances in the Indo-Pacific. Some have even argued that the US’ objective in catalyzing peace in the Middle East and Ukraine is to concentrate its resources to contain China.
In this context, China has an opportunity to capitalize on the rise of a multipolar world by building new alliances and deepening existing ones. While managing its fraught relationship with the US, China can strengthen ties with Europe and other Western nations that are increasingly disillusioned with US unilateralism.
For example, Europe’s growing independence provides a potential opening for China to engage in constructive dialogue on trade, climate change and global governance.While ideological differences remain, pragmatic cooperation on issues of mutual interest could help China establish itself as a reliable, stable and peaceful partner in a world where power is more evenly distributed. China and the rise of a multipolar world serve as a force to help countries that wish to regain sovereignty pursue their own foreign and domestic policies, without needing to capitulate on the illegitimate interventions by the US.
The final rise of a multipolar world marks a historic shift in global power dynamics. The unipolar order that emerged after the Cold War is giving way to a more complex and fragmented system, in which the US, China and the EU each wield significant influence.
For Europe, the challenge lies in overcoming internal divisions and establishing a coherent foreign policy that reflects its ambitions for independence. The UK, France and Germany will navigate competing priorities and work together to strengthen Europe’s position on the global stage.
For the US, the rise of a multipolar world is a direct challenge to its dominance. Its strained relations with both allies and adversaries highlight the limitations of a foreign policy that relies on coercion rather than collaboration.
And for China, the opportunities are vast. By positioning itself as a stabilizing force in a fractured world, China can build partnerships that enhance its global standing and counterbalance US containment.
The rise of a multipolar world is not without risks. Competing interests and rivalries between major powers could lead to instability and conflict. But it also presents an opportunity to create a more balanced and inclusive global order, in which no single nation dominates, and where cooperation is prioritized over confrontation.
The author is a consultant at the Global Hong Kong Institute.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
