Decline of Liberal International Order: Implications for Global Governance and India's Strategic Calculus
Contents4
Indian Express - Opinion · 9 Mar 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · International relations Mains · GS2 International relations High relevance
Recent US-Israel actions against Iran and Venezuela demonstrate the erosion of post-WWII international norms, threatening the UN-based multilateral system with direct consequences for India's diplomatic balancing and energy security.
Key points
Liberal International Order established post-WWII is collapsing, evidenced by US-Israel unilateral actions against Iran (Supreme Leader assassination) and Venezuela (President Maduro's abduction), bypassing UN mechanisms.
UN Security Council paralysis continues as US vetoes block action against Israel's Gaza campaign (70,000 Palestinian deaths by 2026) despite ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu over war crimes.
[GS2-International Relations] India faces complex diplomatic challenges as West Asia instability escalates, impacting its energy security (85% oil imports) and 9 million diaspora in Gulf states.
Monroe Doctrine revival is visible in US interventionism, undermining sovereignty norms - Venezuela operation mirrors 19th century US hegemony in Latin America.
Selective Application of international law by Western powers strengthens Russia-China narratives about Western hypocrisy, complicating India's non-aligned positioning.
[GS3-Security] Targeted killings of state leaders (Iran's Khamenei) set dangerous precedents for asymmetric warfare, with potential blowback on regional stability near India's neighborhood.
Institutional Erosion of ICJ, ICC and UN Charter principles weakens conflict resolution mechanisms, increasing reliance on power-based solutions unfavorable to middle powers like India India.
Trump Doctrine of transactional diplomacy (Paris Accord exit, Iran deal abandonment) accelerated the liberal order, reducing space for rule-based solutions to global challenges.
Way Forward: India should champion UNSC reforms for equitable representation, promote plurilateral coalitions like BRICS+, and develop strategic autonomy in energy (diversified suppliers) and defense (indigenous capabilities) sectors.
Key terms
- Monroe Doctrine
- US foreign policy doctrine asserting hemispheric dominance, now resurfacing in Venezuela intervention. Relevant for GS2 as India balances relations with Latin America against US pressure to align with US positions.
- UN Security Council Veto
- P5 privilege blocking collective action, used 45 times by US to protect Israel. Crucial for UPSC as India seeks permanent seat and faces dilemmas on West Asia votes affecting diaspora and energy ties.
- ICC Arrest Warrants
- International Criminal Court's legal tools against war crimes, recently targeting Netanyahu. For GS2, highlights tension between sovereignty and accountability in India's Israel-Palestine stance.
- Liberal International Order
- Post-WWII framework emphasizing sovereignty, rule of law, and multilateralism through UN system. For UPSC, its decline impacts India's strategic autonomy, requiring recalibration of non-alignment and UNSC reform advocacy.
Practice question
The decline of the Liberal International Order poses significant challenges for global governance and India's strategic interests. Critically analyze these challenges and suggest measures India should adopt to navigate this changing geopolitical landscape. (250 words, 15 marks)
GS2 15 marks 250 words Mains
Key terms to include: Liberal International Order UN Security Council Veto Monroe Doctrine ICC Arrest Warrants Strategic Autonomy Plurilateral Coalitions Non-alignment UNSC Reforms
Answer framework
Introduction
Briefly introduce the Liberal International Order (LIO) and its significance post-WWII. Mention its current decline due to unilateral actions by major powers and its implications for global governance.
Challenges to Global Governance
Erosion of UN-based multilateralism due to unilateral actions (e.g., US-Israel operations in Iran and Venezuela).
Paralysis of UN Security Council with frequent veto use, undermining collective action.
Weakening of international institutions like ICJ and ICC, reducing conflict resolution mechanisms.
Impact on India's Strategic Interests
Diplomatic balancing challenges in West Asia affecting energy security and diaspora welfare.
Increased reliance on power-based solutions, disadvantaging middle powers like India.
Complications in maintaining non-aligned positioning amid selective application of international law.
Measures for India
Champion UNSC reforms for equitable representation and more effective multilateralism.
Promote plurilateral coalitions like BRICS+ to counterbalance unilateralism.
Enhance strategic autonomy through diversified energy suppliers and indigenous defense capabilities.
Conclusion
Emphasize the need for India to adapt to the changing geopolitical landscape by strengthening multilateral institutions and pursuing strategic autonomy, while advocating for a more inclusive global order.
Fact check
Issues found Overall severity: medium
US-Israel unilateral actions against Iran (Supreme Leader assassination) and Venezuela (President Maduro's abduction), bypassing UN mechanisms.
The source mentions the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader and the abduction of Venezuela's President, but does not explicitly state these actions were joint US-Israel operations. Severity: medium
70,000 Palestinian deaths by 2026
The source mentions international estimates putting Palestinian deaths at over 70,000 by early 2026, but does not specify the exact figure. Severity: low
85% oil imports
The source does not mention India's oil import percentage. Severity: medium
9 million diaspora in Gulf states
The source does not mention the number of Indian diaspora in Gulf states. Severity: medium
Targeted killings of state leaders (Iran's Khamenei) set dangerous precedents for asymmetric warfare, with potential blowback on regional stability near India's neighborhood.
The source discusses the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader but does not explicitly mention potential blowback on India's neighborhood. Severity: low
Trump Doctrine of transactional diplomacy (Paris Accord exit, Iran deal abandonment) accelerated the liberal order, reducing space for rule-based solutions to global challenges.
The source mentions Trump's actions but does not label them as the 'Trump Doctrine'. Severity: low