At 82, I have lived through countless political and social upheavals, enough to become somewhat inured to history’s recurring cycles. But recent developments have left me profoundly shaken and afraid. The bedrock principles of international law, established in the aftermath of World War II, are being flagrantly undermined. The ban on acquiring territory by force, the obligation to protect civilians during conflict, the limitations on the right of self-defense, and the United Nations Security Council’s mandate to “maintain international peace and security” are all unraveling, with little regard for the consequences.

The unity of the Gulf states, their diversified partnerships and their degree of assertiveness — along with China’s deepened relationships in the region — may constrain U.S. dominance. Even so, China must devise policies to navigate the unexpected strategic challenges it might encounter.

A fundamental shift in how the international community approaches global governance is required. Through concerted action, nations can resist the pull of unilateralism and build a more inclusive and stable international order.

The incoming Labour government in the UK is pursuing a pragmatic re-engagement with China, driven by economic challenges and a desire to stabilize trade and diplomatic relations, as seen in recent high-level dialogues. While a full reset to the "Golden Era" of ties is unlikely due to geopolitical constraints and domestic skepticism, opportunities for collaboration remain in areas like climate change and education, fostering mutual understanding and progress.

The Trump administration’s blame-driven approach to U.S.-China relations fueled mutual losses and entrenched scapegoating of China for U.S. domestic issues. Ultimately, subnational diplomacy and pragmatic collaboration are essential for rebuilding constructive ties.

The recent election in the United States has given Russia an opportunity to restart strategic dialogues. Under Donald Trump’s leadership, however, U.S.-Russia relations are likely to be dominated by containment and counter-containment. Meanwhile, Russia believes that Russia-China relations are central to world security and can counter Trump’s inclination to make peace through force.

Sacrificing others is no answer when seeking to save oneself. But the EU is doing just that: It is willing to sell out China to gain the favor of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump and maybe avoid Trump’s tariffs. It won’t work.

Alternative pathways to development are possible, as demonstrated by China. Global institutions are in need of an overhaul. But time waits for no one, and new institutions are being forged.

A change in America’s political leadership will bring challenges, but China is not as vulnerable as some say. Aggressive U.S. policies could push China to diversify its investments and explore new markets, while projecting itself as a stable and predictable power.

Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election is worrisome. People-to-people exchanges between China and the United States faced many challenges during his first term, and the Republican Party Platform is not friendly to outsiders. There could be stormy weather ahead.