THE collapse of global political orders has rarely been gradual; history shows that it is often precipitated by the excesses and miscalculations of dominant powers.

Today, the world stands at a similar inflection point. The prolonged instability in the Middle East, coupled with intensifying great-power rivalries, signals not merely a regional crisis but the gradual erosion of the American-led international order. What is emerging in its place is a fragmented, multipolar system in which power is diffused among rising actors such as China, Russia and regional blocs, fundamentally reshaping global politics.

History underscores that no political order is permanent. The Roman, Ottoman, Mongol and British empires each established dominant global or regional systems, only to witness their eventual decline. In each case, power dictated order and transitions were often marked by conflict and instability. The current transformation reflects a similar pattern, as the unipolar moment enjoyed by the United States after the Cold War gives way to a more contested and complex global landscape.

The significance of a stable political order cannot be overstated. It ensures a balance of power, sustains international trade and provides mechanisms for conflict resolution. Institutions such as the United Nations were designed precisely to prevent the recurrence of large-scale wars. Yet, recent events reveal their diminishing effectiveness. The UN Security Council remains paralyzed on key issues such as the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, largely due to veto power politics. According to........

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