A paradigm shift in global governance

We are living in a seemingly rudderless world full of uncertainty thanks to the simultaneous existence of globalization and anti-globalization sentiments. As a result, the paradigm of global governance has begun a momentous yet bifurcated shift, making adaptation difficult for countries, large and small. Yet countries have to understand and timely adapt to this shift, both individually and collectively.

The global governance paradigm is shifting in two directions. The first shift is led by the United States and a few other Western countries, which are riding the rising tides of anti-globalization and populism, and blaming all the global and domestic troubles on the "clash of civilizations" and globalization. They seek solutions through "America First" or "Me/Us First" in order to gain more benefits in their dealings with other countries while shirking their responsibilities to maintain the right balance between market efficiency and social equality and justice.

In this context, the rhetorical question raised by US President Donald Trump in his recent Warsaw speech is really illustrative: "Do we have the desire and the courage to preserve our civilization in the face of those who would subvert and destroy it?"