The New Geopolitical Landscape: Blocs, Values, and Global Uncertainties

In contemporary geopolitics, there is a growing shift towards understanding the dynamics of new geopolitical blocs, which, while reminiscent of Cold War alignments, represent distinct and evolving formations. Recent findings from the World Values Survey highlight a widening divergence in global values, revealing tensions that challenge the previously dominant model of economic globalization. Additionally, environmental challenges and the transition from managing risks to navigating uncertainties have further complicated global political dynamics, necessitating a re-examination and potential redefinition of traditional geopolitical theories.

This Research Topic seeks to explore the inner workings and evolving roles of modern geopolitical blocs, moving beyond the binary conflicts of the past to provide a comprehensive understanding of their contemporary dynamics. We aim to produce a collection of essays that examine not only the historical and institutional development of these blocs but also their current relevance in the face of emerging global challenges, including uncertainty and risk management in international relations. By focusing on the cultural and linguistic evolution of these blocs, we aim to deepen our understanding of their impact on global governance.

The following themes will guide our exploration, with a focus on the intersection of geopolitical blocs and contemporary global challenges:
• Historical and institutional development of geopolitical blocs.
• The evolution of geopolitical blocs in response to value divergence and regional contrasts.
• Conceptual revisions in geopolitics with an emphasis on the changing nature of global power structures.
Key themes for this Research Topic include:
• The geopolitical implications of the Anthropocene.
• Reinterpretations of the Cold War and the emergence of 'Cold War II.'
• The Thucydides Trap and its relevance in modern strategic competitions.
• The rise of multipolarity in the international system and its impact on global governance.
• The militarization of space and its geopolitical consequences.
• The shifting world order and evolving global value systems.
By exploring these areas, we aim to provide a nuanced understanding of contemporary geopolitical dynamics, advancing beyond traditional perspectives to address the complexities of today's global interactions and the emergence of new geopolitical blocs.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Geopolitics, Values, Blocs, Uncertainty, International Affairs

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.