The New World Disorder

Study Notes

The international landscape is in a state of flux, marked by the decline of American dominance and the rise of multipolarity.
The "New World Disorder" is characterized by a lack of a cohesive international order following the collapse of the unipolar moment after the Cold War.
The American withdrawal from the role of "sheriff of the world" has created a vacuum in global leadership.
Multilateralism is in crisis, with organizations such as the UN, WTO, and Bretton Woods institutions struggling to adapt to a multipolar world.
The lack of a "concert of nations" has led to ad hoc responses to global crises, resulting in "automatic amplifiers" rather than "automatic stabilizers" for international tensions.
Regional crises are becoming systemic, affecting stability across the globe: Syria, Libya, Gulf, South China Sea, Taiwan, Korea, and India-China tensions.
Global agreements on disarmament are eroding, including the FNI, New START, NPT, and CBW.

The American withdrawal from international agreements under Trump is not an aberration, but rather a continuation of a historical trend towards unilateralism and isolationism.
US foreign policy is increasingly driven by cost-benefit analysis, with the strategic gains of international engagement seen as outweighing the costs.
This withdrawal has led to the US withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, the JCPOA, and UNESCO.
Trump's strategy of confrontation with China and alignment with Russia marks a shift in American foreign policy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated global fragmentation and deepened polarization between China and the US.
China's assertive foreign policy has been supported by the American turnaround, but risks a loss of control in the US-China relationship.

France advocates for multilateralism and a cooperative approach to global challenges.
Multilateralism is crucial for addressing global issues like climate change, terrorism, and WMD proliferation.
France is a strong proponent of EU integration and sees the EU as a crucial link between multilateralism and sovereignty.
The EU is essential for addressing technological and economic challenges arising from the US-China fracture, particularly in the digital realm.
France aims to reform the UN by expanding membership to include emerging powers and strengthening the role of global institutions.
French foreign policy emphasizes “ouverture”: opening the UN Security Council to emerging powers, the World Bank to African nations, and global institutions to civil society.

France emphasizes the importance of sovereignty, particularly in areas like health, food, economics, and technology.
France advocates for a strong and independent Europe that is not a "playground" for other powers.
France seeks to position Europe as a power of equilibrium between major global regions: the Atlantic, Eurasian, and African-Middle Eastern.

The international landscape is marked by the decline of the US as a global leader and the rise of a multipolar world.
Multilateralism and sovereignty are key pillars of French foreign policy, particularly in navigating the challenges posed by a fragmented world.
The EU is seen as a crucial tool for promoting multilateralism and protecting European interests.
The challenges of the “New World Disorder” require a global response based on collaboration, common rules, and a commitment to shared global goods.