AUTHOR=Chatzinikolaou Dimos , Vlados Charis Michael 

TITLE=The RCEP in an emerging multipolar order: examining energy transition implications

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Political Science

VOLUME=Volume 7 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/political-science/articles/10.3389/fpos.2025.1636867

DOI=10.3389/fpos.2025.1636867

ISSN=2673-3145

ABSTRACT=This paper examines how the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) influences global energy transition within an emerging multipolar world order. Using the New Globalization Scenario Matrix (NGSM) framework and correlative SWOT analysis, the study identifies a “medium-high performance” scenario as most probable, characterized by gradual regional integration constrained by geopolitical tensions and governance gaps. The analysis reveals asymmetric energy transition contributions: strong support for renewable energy deployment through trade and investment channels, but limited coordination for decarbonization policies due to absent binding environmental commitments. The study proposes complementary institutional frameworks to enhance the RCEP’s energy transition contributions while addressing identified governance deficits in environmental coordination.