The new multipolar world order

For decades during the Cold War, the world was characterised by two power blocs and opposing political and economic systems and thus had a bipolar structure. After the collapse of the Eastern Bloc in 1989, there was hope - justified or unfounded - that a world order based on human rights and liberal democratic values could be established. The importance of the United Nations and international organisations increased and the USA, as the only remaining superpower, acted as the "world police force." With the withdrawal of Western troops from Afghanistan and at the latest since the Russian attacks on Ukraine, it is clear that the previous world order has come to an end. A system of regional zones of influence has emerged that is essentially dominated by five centres of power: the USA, the European Union, Russia, China and India. In this event, political scientist Herfried Münkler will analyse the new multipolar world order and explain the background to the current situation. He will look at the individual centres of power and identify their respective strengths and weaknesses. Referring back to earlier global political constellations, he points out possible future developments.Jean Asselborn, the former Luxembourg Foreign Minister and an expert on the European Union, will address the major challenges facing the EU both politically and economically in his lecture. To what extent does the multipolar world order offer new opportunities and what risks does it harbour for the EU? What political and economic reforms need to be implemented so that the European Union can continue to develop positively and play a significant role in the new world order?