Geopolitics is in flux, and what once seemed a stable world order is now disintegrating into an unpredictable web of rivalries, shifting alliances, and conflicting ideologies. What once represented optimism post-Cold War cooperation has now given way to what analysts increasingly refer to as the “new world (dis)order.”
Traditional pillars of global stability are under strain across multiple continents, as the United States long considered itself the leader of the liberal international system is under challenge from countries such as China, Russia and Iran as well as within its own borders due to polarization and isolationist rhetoric taking root. At the same time China promotes state capitalism coupled with digital authoritarianism for regional dominance in Asia-Pacific regions.
Europe remains preoccupied by Ukraine’s ongoing civil war. Following Russia’s invasion, NATO was renewed and expanded its defense posture; yet economic pressures continue to build within its member states, along with far-right political movements gaining ground. Additionally, Europe once stood as an example of integration; now is facing disunity on issues like migration policy reform, energy policy development, and fiscal reforms.
“No longer do we take for granted the rules-based order,” declared Dr. Helena Nasser, senior fellow of the Global Policy Institute. “We are witnessing an historic realignment where cooperation has given way to competition and diplomacy to deterrence.”