The unraveling of the Western world order

[UNITED STATES] The West stands at a pivotal moment in history. The trajectories of civilizations—rising, falling, and evolving—are often shaped by the choices of their leaders. US President Donald Trump’s policies and rhetoric are accelerating the unraveling of the Western world order, mirroring the errors of past rulers whose ill-conceived actions led to irreversible decline.

Recent geopolitical developments highlight this accelerating shift. The expanding influence of China and Russia in global forums, coupled with the West’s diminishing role in conflict resolution, signals a power vacuum eagerly sought by alternative governance models. Where the US once led through diplomacy and consensus, its withdrawal from institutions like the WHO and the Paris Agreement has opened the door for rivals to redefine global norms.

Following World War II, the Western world order was grounded in globalization and international law. However, as global competition intensifies, the ideals that once sustained Western dominance are being set aside. Trump and his advisors are urgently attempting to stay ahead of a broader civilizational decline.

This decline is not only political but ideological. Public trust in democratic institutions across Europe and North America is waning, with growing support for authoritarian alternatives. The erosion of shared values—once the cornerstone of the Western alliance—has been aggravated by disinformation campaigns and domestic polarization, further fragmenting collective responses to global challenges.

Trump’s approach is not an isolated incident but an amplification of a longstanding Western tendency to prioritize self-interest and raw power. His administration has dispensed with the facade of benevolence, embracing policies rooted in xenophobia, isolationism, and transactional diplomacy. These actions have weakened trust among allies, strained international institutions, and exposed the West’s moral and strategic vulnerabilities.

Even within the US, Trump’s legacy has sparked intense debate over the future of American leadership. While some contend that his "America First" doctrine focused on national sovereignty, critics warn that his transactional approach has alienated traditional allies, from NATO members to Pacific partners. As the 2024 election approaches, it will serve as a referendum on whether the US will adjust its course or deepen its retreat from global responsibility.

Meanwhile, European powers are grappling with the challenge of balancing their reliance on US security guarantees with the pursuit of strategic autonomy. France and Germany have advocated for stronger EU defense integration, but progress has been slow, hindered by diverging national priorities. Without a unified vision, the West risks entering an era of reactive fragmentation instead of renewed cohesion.