Future of the world order: Experts discuss power shifts and new challenges

Future of the world order: Experts discuss power shifts and new challenges

The world order is in a state of upheaval that is characterized by profound geopolitical changes. The University of Erfurt, the Thuringian state parliament and the Funke media group are continuing their joint lecture series in the summer semester of 2025 to analyze these developments. The topic is: “Future of the world order in the face of global developments” and focuses in particular on the influence of the West. The first event will take place on June 10th at 6:15 p.m., when Julia Friedlander, managing director of Atlantic Bridge e.V., opens the topic with her lecture “Renegotiation of the World Order: The Role of the West”. This event is seen as one of the important platforms to discuss the far-reaching consequences of the Ukraine conflict and the declining power of the West. Admission starts at 6 p.m. and entry is free; Registration is recommended at thueringer- Allgemeine.de/ringvorlesung.de.

Russia's war against Ukraine highlights the challenges facing the international community. European and American interests are declining while countries like China and India clamor for more influence. This tectonic shift in power relations away from the Atlantic and towards the Indo-Pacific signals a new phase in the global order. The Indo-Pacific, which contains 60 percent of the world's population and global product, is increasingly seen as a geopolitical center. The “Pax Americana” – the US hegemonic system – is up for discussion as the US increasingly focuses on competition with China.

Global impact and geopolitical trends

The US withdrawal from conflicts in the Middle East and Europe is leading to a strategic reassessment. This allows the US to free up resources to compete with China. In this “GZero World”, in which a stable global order is lacking, economic advantages are pushed into the background and geopolitical interests become more important. At the same time, Russia, perceiving Western sanctions as a “great power tax,” is demanding more influence and is willing to accept economic disadvantages.

The geopolitical shifts not only affect the balance of power between states, but also have far-reaching social and economic consequences. The Ukraine conflict has led to hunger crises in Africa as key food suppliers fail. At the same time, the EU faces challenges, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which acts as an important free trade zone. In this context, the EU is having difficulty ratifying trade agreements, which could further impact competitiveness.

Technological innovations and social upheavals

The developments of 2025 can be described as a turning point between fragmentation and the pursuit of new organizational structures. Growing uncertainty, influenced by economic instability, migration and climate crises, has become a new normal. In a world characterized by fragmented power structures and confrontational multipolarity, the Ukraine war remains a central source of conflict. Despite international efforts, the future remains uncertain as geopolitical trends continue to escalate and societies themselves face polarization and conflicts over values ​​and identity.

The challenges facing the world call for an intensive debate on international relations and security policy. Aspects such as China's aggressive territorial claims and the potential for escalation in the Middle East raise questions that will be discussed in the lecture series. Dr. Alexander Dubowy's analyzes focus on the need to find new answers to old problems as Europe strives for its strategic autonomy and independent ability to act. Creating viable solutions is not only a political challenge, but also a social necessity in order to cope with the ongoing upheavals.

These currents and their impact on the international order absolutely require collective reflection and discussion, which must be led not only by academic institutions but by society as a whole.