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Bipolarity and Bipolarization in the Cold War Era

Author

Listed:
  • David P. Rapkin

    (University of Nebraska)

  • William R. Thompson

    (Florida State University)

  • Jon A. Christopherson

    (U.S. Coast Guard Academy)

Abstract

There is little consensus and some degree of confusion over the meanings of the polarity and polarization concepts. An argument is advanced for viewing these phenomena as distinctly separate with polarity referring to the distribution of power among states and polarization referring to the tendency for actors to cluster around the system's most powerful states. An analysis of indicators constructed to operationalize the two concepts reveals that the global political system was characterized by military bipolarity throughout the 1948-1973 period but that the level of bipolarization gradually declined from "high" to "moderate" to "low" until 1972, at which point the constructed indexes indicate the absence of bipolarization. These findings confirm the paper's premise that the condition of bipolarity need not imply the presence of bipolarization.

Suggested Citation

  • David P. Rapkin & William R. Thompson & Jon A. Christopherson, 1979. "Bipolarity and Bipolarization in the Cold War Era," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 23(2), pages 261-295, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:23:y:1979:i:2:p:261-295
    DOI: 10.1177/002200277902300203
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Haas, Michael, 1970. "International Subsystems: Stability and Polarity," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 64(1), pages 98-123, March.
    2. Hart, Jeffrey, 1976. "Three approaches to the measurement of power in international relations," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 30(2), pages 289-305, April.
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