From Davos Summit to NAM, Unravelling of the Old World Order

Context: 

This editorial is based on the news “C Raja Mohan writes: From Davos to NAM, unravelling of the old world order, the end of peace” which was published in The Indian Express. Recently, the three summits one in Davos, Switzerland, and the other two (NAM and G77) in Kampala, Uganda point to the shifting terrain of global politics in 2024. 

Key Highlights of Davos, NAM, and G77 Summits

• Challenge to Adapt: For both China and India, the challenge is to adapt to the structural shifts in the global order while seeking greater influence in the Global South. 
• New Opportunities: There are new possibilities for major countries in the Global South to exploit the renewed great power contest for elite or national benefit.

Unraveling of the Davos-Centric World Order

• Western-led Principles: The post-Cold War world order was shaped by Western elites (“Davos Man”) based on principles of globalization, free markets, and global governance.
• This order is now fraying due to:
• • Nationalist backlash in the West against globalization and immigration
  • US turning away from global leadership under Trump
  • Return of great power rivalry (and Russia-China alliance)
  • Conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and East Asia

Challenges for Groupings Like NAM and G77

• Regional & Other Groups: Rise of new groupings like BRICS and regional bodies like ASEAN
• Rise of China: China’s rise as an alternative pole to the US-led order
• Blurring of North-South divide: Russia in BRICS

Opportunities for Developing Countries

• Strategically located nations with key assets can benefit by:
• Playing powers off each other
• Extracting benefits from the US and China without firmly picking sides

Contrasting Approaches of India and China

• In Davos: China aims to revise order, while India focuses on integration.
• In NAM: China presents itself as an alternative, while India as a bridge.

Conclusion

The old order is breaking down while rising powers reshape global governance. Smart diplomacy rather than ideological rigidity will be key for developing countries in navigating this transition.