Story perspectives

Liberal Order Unravels: New Myths Fuel Global Instability

2/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The liberal international order is unraveling, marking a significant transition in global politics.
Political theorists argue that the myths underpinning this order are eroding, creating a gap in the narrative landscape.
Today, narratives of imperial resurgence and liberal decline are gaining traction, portraying great power rivalry as natural.
Without new myths, politics risks entering unstable and dangerous territory, as seen in recent United States interventions.

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Story summary

The liberal international order is unraveling, marking a significant transition in global politics.
Political theorists argue that the myths underpinning this order are eroding, creating a gap in the narrative landscape.
Today, narratives of imperial resurgence and liberal decline are gaining traction, portraying great power rivalry as natural.
Without new myths, politics risks entering unstable and dangerous territory, as seen in recent United States interventions.