The Liberal International Order Faces Unprecedented Challenges, EU Stands as a Pillar of Core Values

The liberal international rule-based order is undergoing a profound transformation, marked by shifting alliances, multilateral institutions under pressure, and a rise in global conflicts, according to a report by the European Commission released on April 5, 2024. The document highlights the erosion of human rights protections, the impact of reduced development aid, and the intensifying geopolitical competition across regions from Eastern Europe to the Indo-Pacific.

What is the Current State of the Liberal International Order?

The liberal international order, built on principles of sovereignty, multilateralism, and human rights, faces its most significant test in decades. A 2024 analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) notes that 178 conflicts were recorded globally in 2023, the highest since 1945, with “Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine” being a pivotal example of international law violations. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, stated in March 2024 that “the pace of human rights violations has accelerated, particularly in regions experiencing protracted conflicts.”

How Are Multilateral Institutions Being Affected?

Organizations like the United Nations and the World Health Organization face funding shortfalls and political pressure. A 2023 report by the Global Policy Institute found that 40% of UN agencies experienced budget cuts in 2022, hindering their ability to address crises. The World Bank’s 2024 Global Monitoring Report also warns that reduced humanitarian aid has exacerbated instability in conflict zones, with 300 million people facing acute food insecurity as of 2023.

What Role Is the United States Playing in This Shift?

The U.S. has shifted toward a more transactional foreign policy, according to a 2024 study by the Brookings Institution. This includes reduced commitments to international frameworks like the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization. However, the Biden administration has maintained its support for NATO and the European Union, as noted in a March 2024 speech by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who emphasized “the importance of collective security in an era of great-power competition.”

How Are Democracies Responding to Internal and External Pressures?

Democracies worldwide face dual challenges: external geopolitical threats and internal erosion of democratic norms. The 2024 Democracy Barometer by the Varieties of Democracy project shows that 63 countries experienced declines in electoral integrity over the past decade. In the EU, the European Court of Justice has repeatedly ruled against member states for undermining judicial independence, as seen in the 2023 ruling against Poland’s judicial reforms.

Why Is the EU Emphasizing Its Core Values Amid Global Turmoil?

The European Union has positioned itself as a “principled actor” rooted in human dignity, democracy, and the rule of law. A 2024 EU Strategy Paper outlines plans to strengthen civic spaces and counter disinformation through the Digital Services Act. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated in a March 2024 address that “the EU must lead by example, even as the world becomes more fragmented.”

What Are the Implications for Global Stability?

The convergence of these challenges risks deepening global divides. A 2024 report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) notes that military spending reached a 70-year high in 2023, with 85% of increases attributed to conflicts in the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Europe. Analysts like Fareed Zakaria, in a March 2024 op-ed for *The Washington Post*, argue that “the collapse of the liberal order would not only weaken international cooperation but also empower authoritarian regimes.”

What Is the Path Forward for the Liberal International Order?

Experts emphasize the need for renewed multilateral engagement. The EU’s 2024 Global Gateway initiative aims to invest €300 billion in infrastructure and partnerships, while the UN Security Council is considering reforms to address power imbalances. As the EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, stated in April 2024, “The liberal order is not dead—it is being tested, and it must be rebuilt with greater inclusivity and resilience.”