Is multi-polarity the new non-alignment?

Abstract

As multi-polarity grows, there are some who see this as a new stage of non-alignment, and even the creation of an anti-imperialist bloc. But the economic and political elites of the Global South are too deeply tied to transnational capitalism to be truly independent. Instead, multi-polarity is a struggle within global capitalism for a larger share of markets, profits and political power. China has become the main proponent of a new world order based on ‘win-win’ relationships. But a ‘common destiny for mankind’ within global capitalism covers over the fundamental reality of capitalist competition and exploitation.