The UN, he insisted, would be the instrument through which nations “settle their differences peacefully”, a bulwark against the old world of spheres of influence and predatory might. Others — most notably China — step in, shaping institutions, norms and standards in ways that reflect their own preferences. World order rested on their willingness not to do so; this willingness has faded in many cases. Sometimes the best the world order can do is to prevent things from getting worse. We are living in an interregnum — the old world fading, the new one unformed.

Source: The Hindu February 17, 2026 18:48 UTC