SriLanka, Sept. 23 -- The world order has changed dramatically since the end of World War II. The bipolar world ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, following the disintegration of the Soviet bloc and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

The market economy, coupled more or less with socialist features, determines the global order of trade on which countries depend for growth. The world is naturally anarchic, and, in the absence of a central authority to oversee its affairs, countries pursue their agendas to accumulate power. The U.S., as a superpower, tries to make its way along with its allies, whereas other powers resist it.

Small and medium powers such as Sri Lanka should strategize accordingly to navigate these compl...