Political dynamics

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The way relationships between actors change and interact over time — moving along the cooperation–competition–conflict spectrum.

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When actors work together toward a shared goal, e.g. through trade deals, alliances or treaties.

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When actors are rivals chasing the same goals but are not fighting — a peaceful rivalry.

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Open hostility between actors, which can rise to war.

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They can slide from cooperation into competition, or from conflict back toward peace, as interests and leaders change.

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A rivalry between great powers over power and influence, short of war — e.g. US–China today.

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It moved from decades of trade cooperation toward strategic competition — a relationship in motion.

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Because actors rely on each other, interdependence raises the cost of war and can encourage cooperation.

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The idea that one actor's gain is another's loss — a hallmark of the 'conflict is the norm' view.

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Realists expect competition and conflict under anarchy; liberals expect cooperation to grow through trade and institutions.

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Tracking the direction of travel — which way a relationship is moving — not just describing a snapshot.