Balance of Power and US-China Rivalry - The Ukrainian War as a Case Study

Abstract

This research paper seeks to approach the Sino-American competition by examining the nature of this competition and examining its levels and impact on the balance of international power and the stability of the international system. power between states. Hence, the problematic of the study revolves around a main question: What are the levels, indicators, and mechanisms of Chinese-American competition in the international system? What is the impact of this competition on the stability of the international system? How can this competition be approached through Russia's war on Ukraine? The study concluded that there is a cautious competition between China and the United States, and the escalation of tension between the United States of America, China, and other countries will threaten international collective security, which reinforces the direction of re-consideration of international law and international organizations in maintaining international peace and security. In this way, the Russian-Ukrainian crisis revealed the nature of the cautious competition existing between China and the United States, and each party sought to invest the crisis in its favor and maximize the structure of its benefits, while China sought to fortify its international position, strengthen its alliances, and lay the foundations for a new international order in which it would have a greater contribution in managing the international scene. The United States tried to confront Chinese expansion and confront Russia by mobilizing European financial, intelligence, logistical, and military support for Ukraine through NATO.