Dario Battistella

In this paper the author puts forward a neo-classical analysis of the contemporary world order as one-dimensional. The main argument consists in claiming that, after the end of the Cold War, the material structure of the international system is characterized by unipolarity, while the normative nature of the international society is uniform. This hierarchy, in favor of the US and its allies, concerning its economic and military power resources and the values underpinning norms of behavior, explains the world order: the prevalence of neoliberal norms reflects the material superiority of Western powers, and the supremacy of the US is legitimized by neo-liberal norms regulating the international political game.