Economic and technological advancements have reshaped the dynamics of the international order since World War II. The United States has served as the guarantor of the liberal international order that has led to unprecedented prosperity and stability. However, rising challenges from political polarisation, apathy, and discontented rivals have resulted in gathering storm clouds of uncertainty. This paper looks at the apprehensions held by countries aligned with the status quo of the prevailing international order, considering what the future holds and what weaknesses its adversaries will try to exploit.
A deep-seated fear in other states is that the same challenges facing the US could also be lurking within their communities. Polarisation, isolationism and protectionism, widespread apathy, and distrust in governance and multilateral institutions
