Shahjehan

Multipolar Disorder: No Takers for a G2

Conversations over Breakfast

Rising concerns about a world dominated by Sino-American rivalry have led many countries, particularly in the Global South, to opt for strategic autonomy. Rather than aligning with either power, they are focusing on flexible trade partnerships, technology transfer, and alternative financing mechanisms. Countries are strengthening cross-regional partnerships and South-South cooperation to counterbalance great-power competition. A G2-dominated world, in this view, would undermine global cooperation and limit developing nations’ ability to negotiate on critical issues like climate finance, debt restructuring, and digital infrastructure. This panel will discuss how countries are navigating this evolving geopolitical landscape to preserve their interests and protect their autonomy.

• What role do regional alliances play in shaping the responses of countries to the Sino-American rivalry?
• What implications does jostling between two great powers have for the future of multilateralism and international institutions?
• What strategies can countries adopt to avoid being drawn into a tussle between two great powers?
• What are the potential consequences for global stability if countries are compelled to choose sides in their foreign policies?

 

Speakers

Saeed Khatibzadeh, President, Institute for Political and International Studies, Iran

Dino Patti Djalal, Founder, Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia, Indonesia

Sunjoy Joshi, Chairman, Observer Research Foundation, India

Nada Al Hajjri, President, Yemen Information Center, Yemen

Almut Möller, Director for European and Global Affairs; Head of the Europe in the World Programme, European Policy Centre, Germany

Moderator

Steve Clemons, Editor-At-Large, National Interest, United States of America