Rules-Based Order Faces Uncertainty Amid Global Governance Shifts

US Actions Erode Global Order, Analysts Say

At a recent World Economic Forum gathering in Davos, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that the post-World War II order has effectively ended. The US, which previously underpinned much of this order through its military and financial presence, has taken actions that have led to its collapse.

In the past few weeks, the US has invaded Venezuela, threatened to invade Greenland, and imposed tariffs on Western allies who oppose it. Additionally, President Donald Trump is pushing for a new organization, referred to as the “Board of Peace,” which may potentially succeed the United Nations.

Carney acknowledged that the current era is marked by great power rivalry, where nations are no longer bound by traditional rules and norms. He stated that the system’s strength lies in its ability to maintain an illusion, but its fragility comes from the willingness of individuals to abandon this facade.

Trump reinforced this notion during his speech at Davos, citing Venezuela and Europe as examples of nations that do not align with US values. He also emphasized his desire to acquire Greenland, stating that he will remember any country that refuses to cooperate.

The actions of Trump and his administration have led to a reevaluation of the importance of international cooperation and the role of the US in global affairs. European lawmakers are now faced with the challenge of confronting their reliance on the US and navigating its increasingly assertive foreign policy.

Experts, including Richard Shirreff, former deputy allied commander for Europe, and Geoffrey Nice, human rights lawyer, have noted that the rules-based order is indeed over. The US has consistently exempted itself from international treaties and agreements, such as the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice’s ruling on Washington’s support for rebels in Nicaragua.

These developments signal a significant shift in global politics, where nations are now forced to adapt to a new reality marked by great power rivalry and the erosion of traditional norms.

Source: Al Jazeera