Is the Global Rules-Based Order Ruptured? 2026 Power Shifts and Multilateralism Risks

Is the world's rules-based order finally ruptured? As of January 24, 2026, the architecture of global governance that has stood since the end of World War II is showing deep, possibly irreversible cracks. From the humanitarian corridors of Gaza to the trade routes of the North Atlantic, the erosion of international norms is no longer a theory but a stark reality.

Global Rules-Based Order 2026: Systems Under Fire

The flashpoints are numerous. In the Middle East, the question of whether Israel can target UNRWA headquarters with impunity has sparked a fierce debate over the sanctity of international institutions. Meanwhile, the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire remains stalled, highlighting the failure of traditional mediation efforts.

In Syria, a shift in territorial control looms. If the Syrian army successfully reclaims Kurdish-held areas, it could reshape the Levant's security map, potentially triggering a wider regional conflict that involves Turkey and Iran, further straining the already fragile international consensus.

Trade Wars and Unlikely Alliances

Economic nationalism is also on the rise. Donald Trump's renewed threats regarding Greenland tariffs have left European leaders scrambling for a response. This "transactional diplomacy" signals a departure from the value-based alliances of the past.

Interestingly, Canada and China are finding common ground despite years of icy relations. This realignment suggests that middle powers are increasingly prioritizing economic survival over ideological alignment in a fragmenting world.