Preface.- Introduction.- Pushing Back. The Balance and Balancing of Power.- The Rise of the Others: Can the U.S. Stay on Top? -- Interdependence, Balancing and Conflict in Russian-Turkish Relations.- Congruous or Conflicting? Great Power Configurations in the Balkans.- Competing Hegemons: EU and Russian Power Projection in the South Caucasus.- Russian Perspectives on U.S.-China Relations and the 21st-Century Global System.- Is Russia a Great Power in Asia?.- The Eurasian Great Power Triangle.- Pulling Their Punches: BRIC Foreign Policies in the Middle East -- Strategic Hedging by Non-Great Powers in the Persian Gulf -- Conclusions. Towards a New Equilibrium.

This book presents the theoretical-historical-comparative political framework needed to fully grasp the truly dynamic nature of 21st century global affairs. The author provides a realistic assessment of the shift from U.S predominance to a new mix of counterbalancing rival middle-tier and assertive regional powers, while highlighting those geopolitical zones of contention most critical for future international stability. The book will appeal to scholars and policy makers interested in understanding the contours of the emerging world order, and in identifying its principal shapers and leading political actors.