THE HIERARCHY OF STATES AS A MANIFESTATION OF ASYMMETRY IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Abstract

The typology and functional features of the subjects of international relations are analyzed. Approaches to the definition of «superpower», «large, medium», «small states» are revealed. States as the basic blocks of global structures are heterogeneous systems, as they have different power resources, the increase of which can cause transformations in the structure of international relations and increase asymmetry. It is noted that the relations between the states - participants of the international communication are not isolated from each other, but depend on the degree of hierarchy and interest in each other. The hierarchy of political subjects in the system of international relations is considered: superpowers, large, medium, small states, each of which has its own parameters that can be extrapolated to any country to determine its place in this hierarchy and the level of asymmetry. At the top of the global hierarchy of power, according to the criteria of power, the level of global influence on international processes is a superpower, whose relations with lower-ranking states will be exclusively asymmetric. It is indicated that the traditional parameters of a «great power» are military, economic, intellectual, cultural, scientific and technical potential, which contribute to the formation of relations with medium and small states in an asymmetric format. It is noted that an important element of international policy remains the middle states, which usually belong to the group of influential states of the second level. A small state in political discourse is viewed through the prism of small power, which logically fits into the understanding of a small state. The ratio of power potentials, distribution of power and influence between states as the main elements of the international system is revealed. It was found that the asymmetry of power resources and features of strategic culture between states is a characteristic feature of modern international relations. The principles of asymmetry can be traced between states of different levels of hierarchy. It is noted that the asymmetry-oriented approach contributes to the study of the dynamics of differences between states. Relations between states of different types determine modern international politics, in addition, the vast majority of relations, being asymmetric, are not confrontational.