,
8 tweets,
2 min read
Read on Twitter
As the liberal order is going out of fashion, here are some arguments why this order -- which can also be called "free and open order" -- remains worth defending, and improving. Thread.
Globalisation continues to shape our lives: driven by business, travel and migration, supported by new technology; creating a world society which is in constant interaction and debate; animated by a liberal idea of individual freedom and cross-border cooperation. /1
China's rise ends unchallenged US global leadership; its autocratic leaders are challenging the liberal ideas which are driving globalisation (and are dangerous to them), but without presenting an attractive alternative; and China remains dependent on the U.S.-led order. /2
America is in the mode of soul-searching: it has taken on obligations when they were cheap (unchallenged), now costs are rising; U.S. wants to become a "normal country" (not be a quasi-world government); but also doesn't want to cede leadership in globalisation to China. /3
Others on the fence: European and Asian mid-sized powers nervous about China but hesitant to take on burdens of leadership in globalization and defense of the free and open order; after having very successfully sailed for decades in the shadow of US leadership and protection. /4
There is a unique opportunity for a broad coalition that forces China to play by the rules: fair trade, respect for the sovereignty of other countries; with the ultimate goal of liberalisation and having China as a "responsible shareholder" in a free and open order. /5
If US, European and Asian and other powers fail to build such a coalition, fail to strengthen the liberal, free and open order, this order will break down; nationalism and protectionism will rise, and international relations will be ruled by the law of the jungle. /6
If they succeed however, this moment will be remembered as a hickup on the long path towards deeper globalization and a more stable free and open order, guaranteed by a broad coalition of countries. /7
