Abstract. In the last decade of XXth century we saw the final transition from bipolarity to a much less understandable era of “multipolarism”. This type of world is characterized by numerous competing, conflicting, offsetting each other staggered political vectors (multiple views). The first decade of XXI century is characterized by a number of events that were not foreseeable and anticipated within the established theories of international relations. American foreign policy’s influence proved to be significantly stronger than expected by many people around the world – but also much less effective than estimated. Dramatic global economic upheavals in the first decade contrasted sharply with the conditions of the previous century. Changes, shifts and adjustments that are taking place today raise a lot of questions, especially about the intentions and capabilities of the United States.