The 21st century marks the gradual erosion of the unipolar global order
dominated by the United States, giving rise to a more multipolar geopolitical
system. This transition has been shaped by the economic ascent of China and
India, the assertiveness of regional powers like Turkey and Brazil, and the
recalibration of alliances in response to shifting security, trade, and climate
paradigms. As global institutions confront challenges to their legitimacy and
effectiveness, emerging powers are strategically rebalancing their foreign
policies to secure greater autonomy, regional influence, and global recognition.
This study examines the drivers, dimensions, and implications of strategic
rebalancing among key emerging powers in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Using a qualitative-comparative framework, it analyzes the foreign policy
strategies of five countries—India, China, Brazil, Turkey, and South Africa—
against the backdrop of major global disruptions, including the COVID-19
pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and U.S.-China rivalry. It includes two
tables: (1) comparative analysis of emerging power strategies and (2) impact of
rebalancing on regional security and multilateral alignments.
Findings suggest that while each power pursues distinct national
objectives, common strategies include diversification of alliances, economic
decoupling, soft power projection, and selective multilateralism. These nations
increasingly navigate between competing poles, balancing economic interests
with sovereignty concerns. The paper concludes that the emerging multipolar order is not just a
redistribution of power but a transformation in the norms, institutions, and
alignments that govern international relations. Strategic rebalancing by
emerging powers will likely redefine diplomacy, security cooperation, and
global governance in the decades ahead.