GEOPOLITICAL CONFRONTATION IN THE INDO-PACIFIC: TIMES OF TURBULENCE

Abstract

The ongoing competition for world super-hegemony between the United States and China will determine international relations along the XXI century. Its consequences over Peace and International Security (in the sense used in the United Nations Charter) manifest themselves in current political and military developments taking place in the Indo-Pacific, including a strategic arms race. States in the Indo-Pacific will be the first to experience direct or indirect pressure from Beijing and Washington to accommodate their foreign policies to their demands for alignment. This article approaches this confrontation from analysis categories developed by Graham Allison in his book “Destined for War: can America and China escape Thucydides trap?”, in particular the dynamics leading to war among previous contenders for hegemony. It also deals with Chinese developments that could exacerbate confrontation and their consequences for the global order. It concludes with reflections on a possible course of action for Chile.