A new world order is coming into being.  Many call it “multipolar,” but it is better described as “multi-nodal.” A “pole” is the end of a line between two points.  But the emerging order is a three-dimensional network, not a two-dimensional axis, or even a collection of axes.  “Nodes” [节点] are places where many connections of diverse sizes and intensities originate, terminate, and intersect on differing vectors.  Multi-nodal is a more accurate depiction of the geopoliti...