The Multipolar World Order

Since the inception of states, rivalries, conflicts, and wars have shaped the course of global events. One of the most significant turning points in shaping the modern world order was the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, which laid the foundation for the concept of sovereign nation-states. The aftermath of World War I played a pivotal role in reshaping global politics, particularly through the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which inadvertently set the stage for World War II. Prior to the outbreak of the Second World War, the League of Nations was established with the aim of preventing future global conflicts. However, despite its lofty ideals, the League lacked the authority and enforcement mechanisms to uphold its resolutions, ultimately failing to prevent another global war. Nevertheless, certain institutions under its umbrella—such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Permanent Court of International Justice—continued to function, laying the groundwork for future international organizations.

Following World War II, the United Nations (UN) was created with the hope of averting future global catastrophes. Positioned as a more robust alternative to the League of Nations, the UN adopted the motto “It’s your world,” signaling a vision where all nations, regardless of size or power, would have a voice in global affairs. Yet, despite its noble intentions, the UN has often struggled to maintain credibility, especially during the Cold War era. Superpowers—most notably the United States and the Soviet Union—frequently undermined the UN’s mandate by wielding their veto power in the Security Council to serve their own geopolitical interests. Critical issues such as the Palestinian conflict and the Kashmir dispute remained unresolved, as global power politics repeatedly obstructed fair and impartial solutions. These failures exposed the limitations of the UN and revealed how international outcomes were often dictated by powerful nations rather than by justice or consensus.

The Cold War’s end in 1991 marked the emergence of the United States as the world’s sole superpower. The triumph of liberal democracy over communism—celebrated by thinkers like Francis Fukuyama in his “End of History” thesis—gave rise to the belief that the ideological struggle had reached its conclusion. The U.S. stood at the center of a unipolar world, commanding unmatched military, economic, and ideological influence. However, this era of American dominance was not without contradictions. Despite advocating for democracy and human rights, the U.S. frequently acted unilaterally in ways that undermined these very principles. In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, the so-called Global War on Terror (GWOT) led to military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, the latter based on unverified claims of weapons of mass destruction. These wars, driven by the Bush administration’s aggressive policies, highlighted the dangers of unchecked power and the fragility of the global order.

The post-9/11 world saw a gradual shift in the global balance of power. Although the U.S. remained dominant, it began facing increasing challenges to its hegemony. Among the most significant developments of the 21st century was the rise of China, both economically and geopolitically. Within four decades, China emerged as the world’s second-largest economy, surpassing the U.S. in purchasing power parity. Similarly, Russia, under Vladimir Putin, has sought to reclaim the global influence it once held during the Soviet era, challenging the West in geopolitical hotspots such as Ukraine and Syria. These trends reflect the broader re-emergence of great power competition and the diminishing influence of a unipolar, U.S.-led global order.

In recent years, the international community has increasingly called for a new world order—one capable of addressing the failures of the current system. The U.S.’s unilateral actions, especially in the Middle East, and its selective interventions have sparked growing discontent. American-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with continued support for Israeli aggression toward Palestinians, have raised serious questions about the legitimacy and fairness of the existing international order. The failure to resolve long-standing conflicts, particularly the Palestinian and Kashmir issues, has compelled many nations to reconsider their dependence on Western-led institutions. The U.S.’s unwavering support for Israel, and its reluctance to endorse a fair resolution for Palestinians, has further reinforced perceptions of hypocrisy in global diplomacy.

The rise of China and Russia—coupled with the growing alignment of other emerging powers like India—has accelerated the shift away from an American-centric world. The war in Ukraine revealed divisions within the West, as efforts to isolate Russia were met with mixed success and inconsistent unity. China and Russia’s increasing involvement in global governance and international trade underscores a direct challenge to the liberal international order long championed by the U.S. and its allies.

A new world order is now widely regarded as necessary to reflect the realities of a multipolar world. The growing influence of non-Western powers demands a more inclusive and equitable system of global governance—one that respects the sovereignty, voices, and interests of all nations. Achieving this vision would likely require comprehensive reform of key international institutions such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, which have been criticized for disproportionately favoring Western powers. The transactional approach adopted by recent U.S. administrations—particularly under Donald Trump—has further weakened the liberal order. His protectionist policies, unilateral global stance, imposition of tariffs on over a hundred countries, and support for authoritarian regimes have all contributed to the erosion of the global consensus that once underpinned the post-World War II order.

In conclusion, the current geopolitical landscape indicates that the American-led world order is no longer sustainable. The rise of China, the resurgence of Russia, and the growing influence of nations in the Global South signify that the time is ripe for a more balanced, inclusive, and representative global system. As the world transitions toward a multipolar structure, the challenge lies in ensuring that this shift promotes peace, justice, and shared prosperity for all.

Fahad Hussain Chandio

The student is a law student at Bahria University, Islamabad.

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