Transformation of the international system and security conundrum during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The international system is seeing a gradual transformation. Even though the new system has not emerged yet, it is becoming harder to continue with the current structure. The transformation process has gained momentum with COVID-19 and, as a result, some features of the process have become more apparent during the pandemic. In this context, COVID-19 can be considered another nail in the coffin of the current international system. The prominent characteristics of the transformation include global leadership(lessness), security renaissance, a re-examination of the state, immigration and xenophobia, and regions of conflict and tension. These features have led the states and non-state actors to pursue their own agendas in a more competitive environment and to search for different solutions for the challenges they face. Considering the prominent features of the transformation of the international system, this study aims to focus on the security conundrum in world politics and claims that the states that have more ambitious agendas in the transformation process inevitably face more complicated challenges. However, the study also claims that states that are more resilient and pursue flexible and adaptive policies will be in more advantageous positions than those still struggling to overcome the challenges.