The term “liberal international order” was frequently linked to globalization, multilateralism, and a rules-based international order centered on U.S. leadership for decades following the end of World War II. However, as authoritarian regimes reappear and international alliances change, this system is currently disintegrating.
Viewed from Washington, President Trump’s tariffs, cynicism toward multilateralism, and worries about the efficacy of defense alliances like NATO are forcing many nations, even some of the most staunch allies of the United States, to envision a time when they will have to “go it alone.”
They might not be as alone, though: As the U.S. influence wanes, countries are looking together to fill the vacuum many feel the U.S. is leaving behind. This is especially true when it comes to security and defense. There is no assurance that the new international dynamics will result in the same level of development and prosperity that the world has enjoyed since 1945, and these are unpredictable times.
In order to better understand the dynamics that are transforming the world we live in today and how what may appear to be chaos is actually the foundation for a new approach to organizing international relations, The World, Reordering series selects the best reporting from NPR’s international correspondents and other reporters. We examine the history and present while considering potential future developments.
More of our coverage may be found in the Up First newsletter, on the State of the World podcast, and here.
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