Multipolaire

Multipolaire, French for multipolar, is a term used in different domains to describe systems with multiple poles or centers of influence. In international relations, a multipolar order denotes a global structure in which several states or groups hold decisive sway, rather than a single dominant power (unipolar) or two opposing blocs (bipolar). In a multipolar world, power is distributed among several great powers and regional players, which can lead to more complex diplomacy, shifting alliances, and balancing behavior over time. Supporters argue that multipolarity can increase resilience and prevent hegemonic dominance; critics warn that it may generate instability, security dilemmas, and a higher risk of miscalculation amid dense and fluid interactions.

In physics and related fields, a multipole describes a distribution of charges or currents that yields a potential outside the source region that can be expanded into a series of terms: monopole, dipole, quadrupole, and higher orders. The multipole expansion is a mathematical tool used in electromagnetism, quantum chemistry, and antenna theory to approximate fields generated by complex distributions at distant points. The lower-order terms dominate at large distances, while higher-order terms become relevant at shorter ranges. The concept extends to gravitational theory and other wave phenomena and underpins practical calculations in spectroscopy, imaging, and sensor design.