The contours of the emerging world order are neither stable nor rules-based. Instead, they are increasingly shaped by contested narratives, regional asymmetries, and increasingly fragmented technological ecosystems. This shifting landscape reveals widening incongruities in global governance, deepening geopolitical rivalries, minilaterals, as well as the erosion of multilateralism at a time when it is needed most.

The war in Ukraine and genocide in Gaza, the paralysis of the UNSC, the breakdown of arms-control mechanisms, and the weaponisation of emerging and disruptive technologies collectively demonstrate that the old order is crumbling and without a coherent replacement.

Ukraine, Iran, Selective Principles, and the Erosion of Western Legitimacy

The Ukraine war is an example of the lack of resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. In fact, the Russia-Ukraine war marks a dangerous departure from diplomatic crisis-management norms. It has seen the selective application of international law by major powers.

The Western powers tried to coerce Russia by providing military assistance to Kyiv, imposing sanctions, and organising Moscow’s diplomatic isolation. Nevertheless, the same states show little commitment to confront equally grave humanitarian disasters when their allies are involved.

Most of the Global South refused to align fully with the Western position on Ukraine. Because of military-nuclear exceptionalism, the Global South’s position on Ukraine signals a return of dissatisfaction as well as strategic autonomy vis-à-vis the West.

The majority of states across Africa, Asia, and Latin America have underscored the urgent need for diplomacy rather than bloc politics for resolving the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

Furthermore, the unprovoked Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities have further eroded trust in the Western rule-based order. It shows that the Western-led order is applied inconsistently, undermining their own claims to leadership. This reality is driving the return of multipolarity, a development seen with favour by the large majority of states, including Pakistan.

Reclaiming The Polymath Mind In An Age Of Fragmented Knowledge

The emerging order is also shaped by India’s accelerated militarisation, often enabled by Western states seeking to bolster New Delhi as a counterweight to China

Gaza:........

© The Friday Times