What term describes the long-term competition between nations focused on the international order of rules versus powers seeking to disrupt it?

The term that accurately describes the long-term competition between nations regarding the international order of rules versus powers seeking to disrupt it is "Strategic Competition." This concept emphasizes the rivalry among nations, particularly great powers, as they vie for influence and dominance within the international system. It encapsulates the dynamics of how states pursue their national interests, both through cooperative means and zero-sum games that may lead to conflict.

Strategic competition highlights the ongoing struggles between established powers that wish to maintain the status quo and emerging powers that may seek to challenge or overturn existing norms and rules. This framework is essential for understanding contemporary geopolitical tensions, where ideology, economic might, military capabilities, and alliances all play critical roles in shaping the interactions between nations.

The other terms, while related to international relations, do not capture the same depth or focus on competition over the international order. For instance, Global Strategy typically refers to a comprehensive approach a nation may take to pursue its ambitions across various domains, but it lacks the specific competitive context of opposing forces. International Diplomacy deals more with the practices and negotiations between states but does not inherently address the competition aspect directly. Power Transition Theory describes the cyclical nature of power shifts among nations but does not encompass the ongoing competitive dynamics that define