Fareed Zakaria: The Future of the Liberal World Order

A World Reordered: Navigating the Shifting Sands of Global Power

The world today feels precariously balanced, a far cry from the heady optimism of the 1990s. We find ourselves at a crossroads, grappling with the unsettling realization that the liberal world order, a beacon of progress for decades, is under threat. This erosion, as astutely outlined by renowned journalist and author Fareed Zakaria in a recent discussion with columnist David Brooks, stems not from external forces alone, but also from a creeping disillusionment within the West itself.

The Rise and Fall of an Unprecedented Peace

The post-World War II era ushered in an unprecedented period of global stability. Driven by the United States and its allies, a system prioritizing open economies, free trade, and international cooperation took root. Zakaria, drawing on his experience covering major global shifts in the 1990s, highlights the remarkable success of this system: a world where large-scale conflict between major powers became a rarity.

However, this stability, Zakaria argues, was predicated on American power. As the U.S. grappled with the consequences of the Iraq War, the 2008 financial crisis, and the rise of internal political divisions, its global influence waned. This created space for new powers like China and Russia to emerge, challenging the established order.

Beyond Power: The Cultural Underpinnings of a System in Flux

Brooks adds a crucial dimension to this analysis: the cultural and philosophical foundations of liberalism itself. While championing individual liberty and tolerance, liberalism often struggles to provide the sense of belonging and shared identity that many crave. This tension, Brooks posits, fuels the rise of illiberal movements worldwide that prioritize tradition, faith, and national identity.

Zakaria, while acknowledging this tension, argues that societies, when given the freedom to choose, ultimately opt for the individual freedoms that liberalism offers. He points to the examples of India and China, both initially perceived as resistant to liberal values, yet undergoing rapid transformations towards individualistic and market-driven systems.

Bridging the Divide: A Call for National Service and Shared Experience

The conversation concludes with a compelling call to action. Both Zakaria and Brooks see merit in a renewed emphasis on national service as a means to bridge the growing divides within Western societies. By fostering shared experiences that transcend socioeconomic and cultural barriers, national service, they argue, could help rebuild the empathy and understanding crucial for a healthy democracy.

Zakaria proposes a system incentivizing national service through initiatives like student loan forgiveness and stipends, arguing that the benefits of a more cohesive and understanding citizenry far outweigh the costs.

This insightful exchange offers a sobering yet ultimately hopeful perspective on the challenges facing the liberal world order. By understanding the historical forces at play and acknowledging the need to address the cultural anxieties fueling illiberalism, we can begin the crucial work of forging a more just, equitable, and prosperous future for all.