A fractured world tests the limits of multilateralism
From Central Asia to the Pacific, sovereign states are proving that global rules cannot remain the exclusive playground of great powers.
A fractured world is putting the limits of multilateralism to the test. From Central Asia to Micronesia and across Europe, sovereign states are demonstrating that global rules cannot remain the exclusive domain of great powers. Positive signals are emerging, reaffirming the importance of a rules-based international order grounded in core principles and values that reject arrogance and hegemonic overreach.
The recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, highlighted this reality. The SCO, an initiative originally led by China, unites nearly all of Central Asia, India, Pakistan, Russia, and Iran. While Western observers emphasize human rights, they must accept that a more balanced, multipolar international community must accommodate illiberal and authoritarian states.
At Bishkek, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pressed Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. Modi's remarks were candid: "Every day that the war continues, humanity is, in effect, set back a step, whilst every step toward peace gives all of humanity real hope for peace. We need to move from endless war to an end to the war, to a cessation of hostilities."
Modi's intervention marked a significant development. The international community should welcome India's more assertive stance, prepared to turn rhetoric into action. A fairer, more balanced multilateral order requires rising powers like India to demonstrate principled, unequivocal stances on the global stage.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
