The world is in the midst of a momentous and complex metamorphosis, a "Zeitenwende" — a historic turning point as former German chancellor Olaf Scholz proclaimed on 27 February 2022 following the Russian attack on Ukraine. His verdict has since been validated by the subsequent appalling developments confronted by the world. The massive shift in US policy to re-orchestrate its role in international arena with the induction of President Donald Trump has ominously stirred the world.

The duo of "America First" and "Make America Greater than Ever Before (MAGA)", signifying a blend of ideological and conservative populism, has already exacted serious implications for the world order. The arbitrary and selective imposition of new tariffs regime and blatant use of intimidation and bare-knuckled power unequivocally speak of America's intent to determine and enforce the rules of international engagement to the contemptuous neglect of the universally agreed norms of multilateralism.

Humanity is also dumbfounded to witness, as a captive herd, "the real time, livestreamed and well-documented" genocide, bloodbath and ethnic cleansing ruthlessly unleashed by Israel in Gaza since October 2023. The death toll of Palestinians has surpassed 62,000 including those desperately seeking humanitarian aid amid tight siege of the Strip as a declared punitive policy and weapon of war.

The living conditions for the 2.4 million Gaza inhabitants are apocalyptic characterised by famine, hunger, disease and death — not to speak of almost total disruption of essential services and utilities. In all, the UN Security Council has voted........

© The Express Tribune