Our Scans · Great Power Competition and Strategic Fragmentation · Weekly Summary

• [New] AI will deepen the strategic rivalry between the U.S. and China, but in a more differentiated way than a simple winner-takes-all race. Educational Technology and Change Journal
• Although the Multipolaristas may hope for less war, the Chinese MCF approach is lowering the economic cost of war and growing the kinetic domain of hybrid warfare. Unlimited Hangout
• A multipolar world order will give rise to a reformed multilateralism. / India Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP)
• Global slowdowns, geopolitical fragmentation, rapid technological disruption, inflationary pressure, climate risks, and shifting workforce dynamics converge to create a strategic imperative - talent resilience and adaptability. People Matters
• Russia seeks to put down democratic movements in its neighbourhood because it is afraid they could undermine its status as a pole in the multipolar world order. Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP)
• Turkey seems to have the clearest idea about which actors will play a central role in a multipolar world order - namely, the US, China and Russia. Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP)
• China, India and Russia all have an entirely positive view of multipolarity, which they see as providing opportunities to gain international political influence. Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP)
• Global supply chains are being reshaped by inflation, technology, sustainability regulation, workforce constraints, geopolitical fragmentation, cybersecurity threats, and critical resource competition. Professor Richard Wilding OBE - The Supply Chain & Logi
• Artificial intelligence warfare, drone systems, Arctic security, cybersecurity threats, NATO spending, and geopolitical fragmentation are all converging simultaneously. Kalkine
• In stark contrast to the unipolar era of US supremacy now passing away, a multipolar world is emerging in which regional and global power will be dispersed and distributed among multiple states such as China, Russia, Brazil, India, and South Africa, among others. Counterfire
• By aligning with a multipolar economic axis, Algeria would reduce its vulnerability to EU trade pressure while exploring asymmetrical free trade agreements tailored to its structural needs. Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung
• The western nations are militarizing and building a force that will lead to multipolar influence in the world, and reduce America's ability to threaten nations within the western group of nations who seek to remove themselves from American influence. Medium
• Continued geopolitical fragmentation could reduce global economic output by between 0.2% and 7% depending on the severity of trade and investment decoupling. investing.com
• Looking ahead, the trajectory of great-power competition in the Middle East will be shaped by whether the U.S.-Iran conflict produces a stable outcome, a prolonged stalemate, or an Iranian collapse. KBA13 INSIGHT
• A proactive approach to diplomacy, coupled with robust economic planning, will be essential for Pakistan to navigate the turbulent waters of the Indo-Pacific in 2026 and beyond, ensuring its own security and prosperity are not casualties of great power competition. The Grand Review
• By 2026, the South China Sea will undoubtedly remain a critical flashpoint, embodying the complex interplay of economic interdependence and strategic rivalry that defines the Indo-Pacific. The Grand Review
• The challenges that major players will face may hinder the movement toward multipolarity and generate recurrences of unipolar and unilateral behaviour in global politics. Sputnik India
• As war with Iran reshapes the Middle East and great-power competition intensifies, few questions matter more than how America will wield power in an increasingly unstable world. The Free Press
• If India successfully manages to formalise and include the proposal in the 2026 BRICS summit agenda, it will lead to a significant shift in global trade and transactions toward a multipolar, multi-currency financial world. Modern Diplomacy
• Washington might be able to consolidate its power in the new multipolar world order by force, but the risks of a great power confrontation are great. / USA Magyar Kulugyi Intezet
• China will continue to play a constructive role in reforming global governance, and work with all countries toward a multipolar world. The Washington Institute
• Everstream Analytics rates geopolitical fragmentation at a 97% threat level for 2026, while extreme weather risk sits at 93%. Supply Chain Management Review

Last updated: 21 June 2026