The new world order, explained

Quick Overview

The current geopolitical landscape is shifting from the post-1945 Liberal International Order, characterized by institutions like the UN and economic rules promoting free trade, towards a new era resembling a 19th-century Royal Houses Competition, where great powers like the US, China, and Russia prioritize their own national interests and sphere of influence, often disregarding international norms and alliances, as evidenced by Trump-era policies and current conflicts.

Key Points: The post-1945 Liberal International Order, founded on principles like UN cooperation and global economic rules (e.g., equal tariffs, IMF/World Bank loans), is currently breaking down. Scholars like Goddard and Newman argue that this shift is moving towards an era resembling 19th-century Royal Houses Competition, where great powers prioritize self-interest over multilateralism. The Trump administration exemplified this 'Neo-Royalism' by asserting a 'Trump Corollary' to the Monroe Doctrine, focusing on securing Western Hemisphere interests through unilateral military and economic means (0:08). Mark Carney suggests the world is entering an era of Great Power Competition, where powerful states (US, China, Russia) seek to dominate their spheres of influence, which explains actions like Trump's tariffs against India (3:39). Data shows that while the Liberal Order era (post-1945) saw fewer interstate wars, it also saw rising inequality in the US (9:32) and increasing rivalry between major powers (9:00). The new order, characterized by 'Flexible Realism' or 'Neo-Royalism,' suggests great powers will increasingly act unilaterally, threatening allies (like Canada regarding Greenland) and international organizations like the ICC (1:21, 7:48). The transition involves great powers like the US, China, and Russia prioritizing their own military and economic strength, potentially leading to a more volatile world reminiscent of pre-WWI power politics.

Context: This video analyzes the perceived decline of the post-World War II Liberal International Order, established in 1945, contrasting it with historical periods of great power competition and an earlier Royal Houses Competition. The discussion centers on contemporary foreign policy trends, particularly those associated with the Trump administration, and how these signal a shift towards an international system prioritizing national interest and unilateral military or economic coercion over multilateral rules and alliances. Experts cited include political scientists Goddard and Newman, and former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney.