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........
© The Spine Times
