Seven years after being mocked at the UN, Donald Trump now receives flattery from world leaders as he influences global affairs, criticizing international institutions and emphasizing his own achievements in reshaping global conflicts and diplomacy.
The article reflects on the decline of the United States and the United Kingdom as the primary global leaders, highlighting their historical roles in maintaining a predictable international order through crises and wars.
Senator Mitch McConnell warns that current global political tensions and economic policies, such as tariffs and international meetings of anti-Western nations, resemble the dangerous pre-World War II era, highlighting concerns over U.S. preparedness and unity.
Xi Jinping has outlined China's ambitions to reshape the global order during a major summit, signaling a strategic move to influence international affairs.
The Brics summit in Brazil aims to strengthen collective action among emerging economies to address global issues like climate change and geopolitical tensions, amidst internal divisions and challenges to multilateralism, with a focus on reforming global governance and supporting climate finance for the global south.
Top U.S. allies are expressing concern over the potential re-election of Donald Trump, fearing it could disrupt the current world order. Experts and political figures are discussing the implications of a second Trump term, with some highlighting the potential for increased global instability and shifts in international relations. The discourse reflects a broader anxiety about the future of democracy and America's role on the world stage.
US intelligence agencies warn of an increasingly fragile world order, citing challenges from an ambitious but anxious China, confrontational Russia, regional powers like Iran, and more capable non-state actors, which are all challenging longstanding rules of the international system and US primacy within it.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of seeking reelection for a fifth term in office during a ceremony conferring Hero of Russia medals to servicemen involved in the military operation against Ukraine highlights the significance of the Ukraine war in Putin's political life. Despite initial misjudgment, Putin's military decisions turned the tide of the war, and Russian forces continue to press ahead across the frontline. The Biden administration aims to prolong the conflict, but Russia remains determined to prioritize Ukraine. Putin's continuance in power is seen as crucial for Russia's re-emergence as a superpower, countering Western hegemony and fostering multipolarity. The world is witnessing a fundamental conflict between the old and new world, with an increasing number of countries pushing back against the West's globalist agenda. The Arab world is predicted to be the key arena for the struggle for a new world order in 2024.
The west often misunderstands China's foreign policy due to a lack of knowledge and misconceptions. Chinese foreign policy is not a grand scheme for world domination but rather a response to recent developments. China deals with democracies and dictatorships alike, taking a laissez-faire approach to its partners' internal politics. While China seeks to amend certain aspects of the world order, it does not aim to fully overturn it. China's historical experience, including its dominant past and "Century of Humiliation," shapes its foreign policy. The appeal of Chinese aid lies in its alternative approach to western aid packages. Understanding these factors is crucial in comprehending China's foreign policy.
The US has formally requested to rejoin UNESCO after a five-year absence, citing China's undue influence on issues such as education and AI. China has become the largest funder of UNESCO's compulsory budget since the US left in 2018. The World Heritage Committee, which plays a significant role in tourism and economics, has been used by China to shape UNESCO's agenda. The US sees China as its biggest threat and wants to have a say in world order. The US reapplication made no mention of Palestine, but it has agreed to pay UNESCO more than $600 million in back dues.
Russia has taken over the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of April, causing concern among security officials about how the Kremlin will use its influence while in the rotational seat. Some experts believe that Russia could use its brief position to influence the council’s agenda, prioritize or deprioritize certain issues, and appear as a legitimate world leader to Russians at home. While Russia's new position will not change the balance of power with the UN Security Council, it presents "bad optics" for nations attempting to maintain a sense of world order.