United States and American Power Introduction The United States is a major actor in international relations whose influence derives from a combination of economic capacity, military capabilities, technological resources, diplomatic networks, institutional influence and cultural reach. Understanding American power requires more than examining military strength. In international-relations analysis, national power is multidimensional and includes economic,…

African Union and Regional African Organizations Introduction The African Union (AU) is the principal continental organization of Africa. It succeeded the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and provides a framework for political cooperation, peace and security, economic integration and continental development. The AU currently comprises 55 member states representing the African continent. Its stated objectives…

OIC, GCC and Islamic Regional Organizations Introduction The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are two important institutions associated with the politics of the Islamic world and the Middle East. The OIC is a broad intergovernmental organization whose membership spans Africa, Asia, the Middle East and other regions. It describes…

QUAD, AUKUS and Other Strategic Groupings Introduction Contemporary international politics includes a growing number of strategic groupings, minilateral arrangements and security partnerships that operate alongside traditional alliances and international organizations. The QUAD and AUKUS are two important examples in the Indo-Pacific. The QUAD brings together Australia, India, Japan and the United States and functions primarily…

SCO, BRICS, G7 and G20 Introduction The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), BRICS, G7 and G20 are important groupings in contemporary international relations. They differ substantially in membership, institutional structure, geographical scope and purpose. The SCO is a Eurasian regional organization with a strong emphasis on security, political cooperation and economic interaction. BRICS is a grouping…