Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Unilateralism Challenges the Postwar Order, India Urged to Respond
The article says countries are disagreeing about how the world should be run.
India’s foreign minister, S. Jaishankar, wants countries to make decisions together and include more voices.
The article says U.S. President Donald Trump instead emphasized American power and acting alone.
It also criticizes Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and describes concerns about China’s actions abroad.
The author says the old rules meant to protect countries are becoming weaker.
The United States and China are also far ahead of many countries in technology such as artificial intelligence.
The author thinks India should build stronger science and technology capabilities.
The article says India will also need greater social and political harmony to meet that challenge.
S. Jaishankar called for reformed multilateralism and more inclusive global decision-making in his September 26 UN address.
The article contrasts that vision with Donald Trump’s September 23 speech, which it presents as endorsing unilateralism and a “spoils of war” approach.
It says Russia’s invasion of Ukraine cannot be justified, while noting that NATO’s eastward expansion and earlier assurances are part of the dispute’s context.
The author describes China’s Belt and Road Initiative and maritime conduct as challenges to rules-based relations and state sovereignty.
The article argues that the US-China technology gap, especially in AI, makes investment in Indian science and technology essential to India’s ambitions.
- Who
- The article discusses S. Jaishankar, Donald Trump, and the roles of the United States, Russia, China, and India.
- What
- An opinion article argues that unilateralism is weakening the post-1945 world order and urges India to strengthen science and technology.
- When
- It refers to UN speeches on September 23 and September 26, the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and an alleged capture of Nicolás Maduro in January.
- Where
- The speeches discussed were delivered to the United Nations General Assembly; the article also discusses Ukraine and global affairs.
- Why
- The author argues that powerful states are disregarding international rules, while technological advantages are increasingly concentrated in the United States and China.
Multilateralism and shared rules
Unilateralism and national power
How global decisions should be made
Multilateralism and shared rules
Jaishankar’s position, as presented in the article, favors transparent, inclusive decision-making and reformed multilateral institutions.
Unilateralism and national power
The article portrays Trump’s UN speech as rejecting global government and emphasizing unilateral action.
How powerful states should use their influence
Multilateralism and shared rules
The article advocates a rules-based order that restrains great powers and protects sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Unilateralism and national power
The author says the United States, Russia, and China have acted in ways that disregard those principles, with Trump expressing the approach most openly.
Artificial intelligence leadership
Multilateralism and shared rules
Jaishankar’s remarks support each nation shaping its own AI ecosystem in line with its goals.
Unilateralism and national power
Trump’s remarks, as quoted, stress keeping U.S. leadership in AI and superintelligence ahead of China and other countries.
- Author
- Vivek Katju, a retired Indian Foreign Service officer
- Jaishankar’s address
- September 26, at the United Nations General Assembly
- Trump’s address
- September 23, at the United Nations General Assembly
- Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
- The article dates it to 2022 and says the war had continued for more than four years.
- Technology focus
- The article highlights artificial intelligence and the technology gap between the United States and China and other countries.
- Author’s recommendation
- India should build capabilities in fundamental science and technology and foster social and political harmony.