Trump's actions signal end of old world order, universities may shape future
The previous global framework has collapsed, yet its successor is uncertain. Erratic behavior from US President Donald Trump has indicated the dissolution of the multilateral system established post-World War II. As the UN, IMF, and World Bank remain trapped in antiquated power dynamics, universities may emerge as influential platforms for shaping the future. By 2025, the leading economies, China and the US, will represent 32.8% of the world GDP based on purchasing power parity. The following 16 UN member states, with the exception of India at 8.7%, contribute between 3.5% and 1.3%, collectively accounting for 40.2% of global GDP. The remaining 175 nations represent 27%. The UN Security Council maintains veto privileges for China, France, Russia, Britain, and the US, as demonstrated in the April 7 vote regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Key facts
- The old global order is dead, but no replacement is clear.
- Henry Kissinger's 2014 book 'World Order' stated no truly global order has ever existed.
- US President Donald Trump's erratic actions have signaled the end of the multilateral system.
- The UN, IMF, and World Bank are mired in old power structures.
- Universities could be the platform to shape the global future.
- China and the US together account for 32.8% of world GDP in PPP terms as of 2025.
- The next 16 UN members (excluding India at 8.7%) have GDP shares from 3.5% to 1.3%, totaling 40.2%.
- The remaining 175 countries make up 27% of global GDP.
- The UN Security Council has permanent veto rights for China, France, Russia, Britain, and the US.
- A UN Security Council vote on unblocking the Strait of Hormuz occurred on April 7.
Entities
Institutions
- United Nations
- International Monetary Fund
- World Bank
- UN Security Council
Locations
- United States
- China
- India
- France
- Russia
- Britain
- Strait of Hormuz
- New York