Global Governance in Crisis: India's Role in a Normless World
India must adapt its foreign policy to a world where global norms are eroding.
Photo by Marvin Cheung
Editorial Analysis
The author argues that the post-Cold War international order, built on specific norms and institutions, is collapsing, leading to a "normless world." India must proactively adapt its foreign policy to this new reality, focusing on strategic partnerships and shaping new, more equitable global governance frameworks.
Main Arguments:
- The existing global norms and institutions, largely shaped by Western powers post-Cold War, are increasingly being challenged and eroded by geopolitical shifts, great power competition, and a decline in adherence to international law.
- India's traditional reliance on multilateralism needs to be re-evaluated. While multilateral engagement remains important, India must also pursue flexible, strategic partnerships to protect its interests and enhance its influence in a fragmented world.
- India has an opportunity to play a leading role in shaping new global norms and institutions that are more representative of a multipolar world, advocating for the interests of the Global South and promoting a more equitable international order.
Counter Arguments:
- Some might argue for continued adherence to existing multilateral frameworks, believing they can be reformed, rather than advocating for a radical shift in global governance.
Conclusion
Policy Implications
The editorial discusses the erosion of global norms and institutions, leading to a "normless world" where traditional multilateralism is challenged. It highlights the impact of events like the Russia-Ukraine war, the rise of protectionism, and the weakening of international law on global governance.
The author argues that India, as a rising power, needs to adapt its foreign policy to this new reality, focusing on strategic partnerships and a pragmatic approach to multilateral engagement. The piece suggests that India should leverage its growing influence to shape new norms and institutions that reflect a more equitable and multipolar global order, rather than passively adhering to outdated frameworks.
Key Facts
Erosion of global norms and institutions
Challenges to multilateralism
Impact of Russia-Ukraine war
UPSC Exam Angles
Evolution and challenges of multilateralism
India's foreign policy doctrine and strategic autonomy
Role of international law and institutions in contemporary global order
Impact of geopolitical shifts on global economic and security architecture
India's potential to shape new global norms and institutions
Visual Insights
Geopolitical Hotspots & India's Strategic Engagement in a 'Normless World' (Jan 2026)
This map illustrates key regions experiencing geopolitical shifts and conflicts challenging global norms and international law, alongside India's strategic focus areas in a rapidly evolving multipolar world. It highlights the 'normless world' scenario discussed in the news.
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More Information
Background
Latest Developments
The Russia-Ukraine war has exposed fault lines in international law and collective security mechanisms. Economic protectionism, supply chain disruptions, and the weaponization of interdependence are challenging global economic integration.
Major powers are increasingly pursuing national interests over collective action, leading to a weakening of institutions like the UN, WTO, and even regional blocs. India, as a rising power, is navigating this complex landscape, seeking to balance strategic autonomy with engagement in various multilateral and minilateral forums.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. In the context of the evolving global order and challenges to multilateralism, consider the following statements regarding India's approach: 1. India's foreign policy has consistently prioritized adherence to the existing rules-based international order without seeking significant reforms. 2. Strategic autonomy implies India's disengagement from multilateral forums to avoid entanglement in great power rivalries. 3. India's engagement with groupings like BRICS and the Quad reflects a pragmatic approach to foster a multipolar world order. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.3 only
- C.1 and 2 only
- D.2 and 3 only
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. India has consistently advocated for reforms in global governance institutions (like the UN Security Council) to reflect contemporary realities, rather than passively adhering to outdated frameworks. Statement 2 is incorrect. Strategic autonomy, for India, means the ability to make independent foreign policy choices based on national interest, not disengagement. It involves active engagement with multiple partners and forums. Statement 3 is correct. India's participation in diverse groupings like BRICS (representing emerging economies) and the Quad (focused on Indo-Pacific security) demonstrates a pragmatic, multi-aligned strategy to navigate a multipolar world and shape new norms, rather than being confined to a single bloc.