In an interview with the website of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, Ali Rezvanpour stated: For several decades after the end of the Cold War, the world order was defined within a framework called the ‘Liberal International Order.”

He added: This order was based on free trade, liberal democracy, human rights, and multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund.

The university professor recalled: The United States was the axis and leader of this order, but this system has eroded over the past two decades, and the world is now transitioning to a multipolar structure.

Rezvanpour added: This geopolitical transformation will bring numerous challenges and opportunities for Iran, as a country that has always been on the margins or in opposition to the liberal order.

The Questioning of the Liberal International Order and Its Roots

He cited the rise of new powers, especially China, which, with its economic growth and initiatives like the “New Silk Road,” proposes an alternative economic and political order, as one of the main factors weakening the liberal order. He added: “Besides China, the return of Russia as a military and energy-based actor has given greater weight to the multipolarization of the world.”

According to this international affairs analyst, “Internal developments in the West have also dealt a serious blow to the cohesion of this order. The rise of populist currents, Trump’s ascent to power with the ‘America First’ slogan, the US withdrawal from multilateral institutions, and divisions within the European Union after Brexit all showed that Westerners themselves doubt the efficacy of this system. America’s geopolitical failures in Iraq and Afghanistan have also severely reduced its hegemonic position and capability.”

Rezvanpour emphasized: “The relative decline of US power, although it does not currently mean the loss of its primary position in the international system, has created many limitations for it. America’s focus on competing with China has diverted its resources and focus from other parts of the world and created the necessary ground for the mobility of other powers.”

Characteristics of the Emerging Multipolar World

From the perspective of this international affairs analyst, the new world order has several key characteristics: “First, it is a multipolar distribution of power, meaning no single country can dictate the rules of the game alone, and global decision-making is the result of interaction, competition, and even confrontation among several poles. The second feature is ideological competition.”

Rezvanpour clarified: “Against the liberal-democratic model, other models such as China’s development-oriented system, Russian nationalism, or Islamic discourses are now being presented. This ideological pluralism increases the complexity of the global stage.”

According to Rezvanpour, “Regional powers have gained a more prominent role. Countries like Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and India are seeking to define their spheres of influence. Meanwhile, deinstitutionalization and the formation of flexible coalitions have become common phenomena. The reduced role of the Security Council in global processes or the formation of temporary pacts like BRICS are examples of this trend.”

He added: “The tools of power have also diversified: from economic warfare and sanctions to cyber warfare, information warfare, and public diplomacy. These tools are almost as important as military power.”

Iran’s Challenges in the New Order

According to Ali Rezvanpour, “In the multipolar order, Iran faces a set of significant challenges, the first of which is increased uncertainty and instability in the region.”

This expert added: “West Asia is one of the most unstable regions in the world, and multipolarization could intensify power competition in this region. The decline of US influence in West Asia might open the space for fiercer competition among major regional powers.”

He believes that “The second challenge is the risk of getting mired in the swamp of competition between different blocs, if foreign relations are mismanaged. Although multipolarization creates opportunities for diversifying partners, there is also the danger of getting caught in the competition between different blocs.”

Rezvanpour warned: “Excessive reliance on certain major powers will, in the long term, reduce Iran’s bargaining power and independence.”

He also pointed to intensified regional competitions and said: “Iran’s rival countries in the region are using the opportunities of the new order to strengthen their military capabilities and strategic partners, which could lead to an arms race.”

This expert identified another issue as Iran’s nuclear dossier and continued: “In a multipolar world, finding a single negotiating counterpart to resolve such issues has become more difficult. Differing views of Europe, America, China, and Russia regarding Iran make the negotiation environment more complex.”

Finally, he referred to the issue of sanctions and said, “US sanctions still act as a destructive tool because the dollar dominates the global financial system. Although multipolarization can provide opportunities to bypass sanctions, this requires a precise strategy and the utilization of international divisions.”

Iran’s Opportunities in a Multipolar World

Rezvanpour believes: “Multipolarization can increase Iran’s diplomatic maneuverability. Utilizing relations with China and Russia to reduce Western pressure is part of this possibility. Also, Iran can pursue diversification of economic partners. Leveraging membership in pacts like BRICS or the Shanghai Cooperation Organization provides new paths for accessing markets, capital, and technology.”

According to the international affairs analyst, “The multipolar world provides an opportunity to strengthen Iran’s regional role. In the absence of a global hegemon, Iran can serve as a pole of influence in West Asia and leverage its position there as a geopolitical asset. Another point is offering an alternative discourse.”

Rezvanpour clarified: “Iran can present the idea of resistance against Western hegemony as an ideological alternative and explain and expand it among aligned movements and governments.”

Rezvanpour said: “The world order is transitioning from a liberal structure to a multipolar one, and this process will be inevitable. For Iran, this transition simultaneously contains great challenges and opportunities. Iran’s success in such an environment depends on formulating a smart, flexible, and pragmatic strategy.”

In summarizing his remarks, he said: “Iran’s diplomacy must be balanced; in such a way that the country does not become absolutely dependent on any bloc. Strengthening the domestic economy and regional connections, especially with neighbors and within the framework of emerging economic corridors, is particularly important. Also, Iran must have more active participation in various aligned coalitions and international institutions.”