By: Stephen Kuper
Freshly confirmed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a fiery warning for America’s allies: the post-war global order is “not just obsolete; it is now a weapon being used against us”, heralding a major shift as the US confronts multiple great powers, requiring a seismic shift for allies like Australia.
Following the end of World War II, the United States emerged as the primary architect of a new global order designed to prevent future conflicts and promote economic stability. Central to this order was the establishment of institutions such as the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, all intended to facilitate cooperation among nations and ensure peace and prosperity.
The end of the Cold War not only shifted the global balance of power but also gave rise to the so-called “unipolar moment”, where American influence stretched across political, economic and cultural domains. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, many hoped that the world would increasingly adhere to the liberal democratic model championed by Washington, and global institutions seemed to reflect this dominance.
However, the post-Cold War era has proven to be more complex and challenging than initially expected. The 21st century has seen the rise of new global powers, particularly China, whose rapid economic growth and assertive foreign policy have posed a direct challenge to the American-led order.