IRC chief says world is witnessing 'global disorder' amid escalating conflicts and lack of accountability

The world is in a state of "global disorder" as conflicts multiply and those involved disregard the rules that maintain international order, according to David Miliband, president of the International Rescue Committee and former UK foreign secretary. Speaking to The National's Editor-in-Chief Mina Al-Oraibi, Miliband highlighted the unprecedented number of ongoing conflicts worldwide, currently 65, calling it "extraordinary".

He criticized powerful nations for failing to uphold post-World War II rules protecting territorial integrity and individual life, stating that their non-compliance sets a dangerous precedent for others to follow. Miliband emphasized that these rules, established after 1945, were not Western constructs but global norms designed to protect everyone equally.

He expressed particular concern over the Iran conflict, asserting that it poses a more significant threat to transatlantic relations than the Iraq war. The Iran war, which began on February 28 with joint US-Israeli attacks, has led to a global energy crisis and has been accompanied by retaliatory actions from Iran, including targeting regional neighbors and blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil and gas route.

Miliband warned that existing peace agreements might not restore the pre-war status quo, as historical war games have demonstrated the potential for further escalations, including attacks on neighboring countries. He cautioned that resolving this crisis will be a prolonged process rather than a quick fix.