Answer

Introduction

The post-1945 international order, institutionalised through the United Nations, was premised on sovereign equality and collective security. Today, however, unilateralism, selective adherence to norms, and geopolitical rivalries signal a transition from “law over power” to “might is right,” creating a volatile ‘new world disorder’.

Body

Factors Contributing to the ‘New World Disorder’

• Resurgence of Great Power Revisionism: Major powers increasingly challenge territorial sovereignty and established norms, prioritising strategic ambition over legal restraint.
  Eg: Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine violated Article 2(4) of the UN Charter prohibiting aggression (UNGA Resolution ES-11/1, 2022).
• Selective Multilateralism and Institutional Withdrawal: Withdrawal from or undermining of global institutions erodes collective governance mechanisms.
  Eg: The United States withdrawal from the World Health Organization (2020 announcement) and UNESCO.
• Paralysis of Collective Security Mechanisms: Veto politics in the United Nations Security Council obstructs decisive responses to aggression.
• Weaponisation of Interdependence: Trade, finance, technology, and energy are increasingly used as coercive instruments.
  Eg: Sanctions on Russia by European Union members and the U.S. (2022).
• Rise of Alternative Power Centres and Competing Norms: Emerging powers are reshaping institutional influence and normative frameworks.
  Eg: Expansion of BRICS (2023–24) and growth of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Implications for the Strategic Interests of Middle Powers like India

• Heightened Security Vulnerabilities: Norm erosion legitimises force-based territorial revisionism, directly affecting India’s borders.
  Eg: Ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control after the 2020 Galwan clashes.
• Strategic Autonomy under Pressure: Bloc politics constrains non-aligned positioning.
  Eg: India’s balancing act between the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and continued engagement with Russia amid Ukraine sanctions.
• Economic and Energy Risks: Fragmented trade regimes and sanctions regimes disrupt supply chains and energy flows.
• Opportunity for Norm Entrepreneurship: Institutional flux allows middle powers to shape emerging governance frameworks.
  Eg: India’s leadership during the G20 Presidency (2023) in securing African Union’s permanent membership.
• Necessity of Issue-Based Coalitions: Flexible, sector-specific partnerships become critical in a fragmented order.
  Eg: India’s participation in the International Solar Alliance advancing climate multilateralism beyond traditional Western platforms.

Conclusion

The transition from a rules-based order to competitive power politics signals not collapse but transformation. For middle powers like India, survival and influence depend on calibrated strategic autonomy, coalition-building, and norm entrepreneurship to prevent power from wholly subordinating law in global affairs.

DOWNLOAD PDF