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The globalization process and the world that is shaped by it –emergence of Asia, demographic transition and migrations, new expressions of violence, proliferation of weapons, etc. –will redefine the role of big powers– these few states with a world influence. They will have to reorganize their new role in a world in which multipolarity, multilateralism and alliances systems will take new eanings.Karl Kaiser is Adjunct Professor (Ralph I. Strauss) at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.