The new world disorder, from rules to might, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• The post-World War II order, established in 1945, aimed to restrain power through international law and institutions.
• The current global atmosphere is marked by a decline in adherence to international law and a rise in unilateralism.
• The retreat from multilateralism is compounded by the withdrawal of major powers from international organizations.
• The world is in an interregnum, with the old order fading and a new one yet to be formed, leading to potential instability.

Detailed Insights:

• The post-war order was founded on the principle that sovereignty is an inherent right of all nations, not a privilege granted by powerful states.
• The shift from hypocrisy to indifference towards international norms is characterized by a "might is right" mentality, where major powers disregard sovereignty.
• The erosion of multilateralism results in a fragmentation of global governance, with other nations stepping in to shape institutions according to their preferences.
• Urgent global challenges like pandemics, climate change and cyber threats require collective action, but are hindered by unilateral approaches.
• The institutions established after World War II reflected the power hierarchies of that time, leading to an imbalance where powerful states act as both guardians and exceptions to the rules.
• The rule-based liberal international order, comprised of sovereign equality, non-aggression, and collective security, is being undermined by breaches and selective application.
• Despite its limitations, the existing order persists, with middle powers investing in multilateralism to avoid being at the mercy of self-interested hegemons.
• The danger lies in the slow decay of the system, leading to a vacuum filled by opportunism and coercion, where power tames law.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Multilateralism: A system of international relations that involves cooperation among multiple nations.
• Sovereignty: The full right and power of a governing body over itself, without any interference from outside sources or bodies.
• Unilateralism: The policy of a nation acting alone, without consulting or cooperating with other nations.