Has the West Lost It?

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The West's two-century reign as a global powerhouse is ending, with China and India emerging as the dominant economies. Kishore Mahbubani argues that the West can no longer impose its ideology or intervene militarily in other nations' affairs. He critiques significant missteps, such as the humiliation of Russia post-Cold War, which contributed to Putin's rise, and the destabilizing invasion of Iraq after 9/11. Mahbubani emphasizes that while the West's constructs of democracy and reason are vital for future peace, they must be promoted through diplomacy rather than force. He advocates for engagement via multilateral institutions like the UN, urging the West to recognize its changing status and influence rather than dominate. This perspective serves as a crucial reminder for the West to adapt and maintain its geopolitical relevance. Fareed Zakaria describes Mahbubani as a sharp and persistent critic, suggesting that this work provides an essential wake-up call for the West.