Ever wondered if the West still holds the keys to global decision-making? 🤔 With economic power shifting east and alliances under strain, its leadership is facing serious headwinds.
This year, Europe is deep in disagreements—budget debates, migration policy clashes and climate goals are causing rifts. Across the Atlantic, the US is growing more skeptical of the United Nations and other multilateral forums—those are systems where many countries on different continents work together on issues like peacekeeping and trade.
Against this backdrop, thinkers like Kishore Mahbubani and Martin Jacques question whether the West's claim to lead the world is still valid. Is soft power—things like culture, values and diplomacy—enough when hard power (military and economic strength) is spreading across Asia from Bangalore to Jakarta?
For young South and Southeast Asians, this moment is packed with opportunity. As Asia's startups, digital economies and green-tech innovations take off, the balance of decision-making tables is starting to tilt eastward. That means more voices from our region shaping rules on climate action, data privacy and global trade.
Bottom line: The old playbook of one-size-fits-all leadership might need an upgrade. Will the West adapt to a world where many regions share the stage, or will Asia's rise redefine the rules of global governance? 🌏✨
Reference(s):
Can the West get itself together to dominate global governance anymore
cgtn.com
