as to establish a “frozen conflict” that would prevent Ukraine from ever joining Western institutions like the EU or NATO. China, meanwhile, has territorial ambitions in the South China Sea, where it has built military installations on disputed islands and reefs, and has also been increasingly aggressive towards Taiwan.
The challenges posed by these revisionist powers are daunting, and the US under Trump’s leadership is adding to the uncertainty and instability. The traditional liberal international order, based on free trade, alliances, and multilateral cooperation, is under threat from all sides. The world is facing a period of turbulence and transformation, with the old power structures being challenged and new ones emerging.
The coming years will be crucial in determining the shape of the global order for decades to come. Will the US, China, and Russia be able to find a way to coexist peacefully and cooperate on shared challenges like climate change and pandemics? Or will they continue on a path of confrontation and rivalry, leading to a more fragmented and dangerous world?
The answers to these questions will depend on the choices made by leaders in Washington, Beijing, Moscow, and other capitals around the world. The stakes are high, and the future of the international system hangs in the balance.