Is the United States Still the World's Only Super Power: Implications for Pakistan's Foreign Policy

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the international structure shifted from bipolar to unipolar. The United States was left as the world's sole superpower. No other country could even approach America in terms of military and economic might. Pakistan wisely allied itself with the United States and joined the global war on terror at America's request after the terrorist attack on New York City in 2001. As long as the United States maintains its dominant position, it is in Pakistan's interest to remain a close ally and thereby reap benefits in security, trade, investment and foreign assistance. The growth in the power and presence of rivals, including China and Russia, however, presents Islamabad with a fundamental decision, viz., to remain close to the United States or to develop stronger military, political and economic ties with nations aspiring to superpower status. This article examines the evidence on both sides of the question, concludes that America remains the world's only superpower and makes recommendations for Pakistan's foreign policy makers based on this finding