One of the “Conversations over Breakfast’ which kicked off Day 2 of the Raisina Dialogue 2025 on Tuesday, explored the implications of a world increasingly shaped by US-China competition.
Moderated by Steve Clemons, Editor-at-Large of The National Interest (U.S.), and titled “Multipolar Disorder: No Takers for a G2”, the discussion brought together experts from Iran, Indonesia, Germany, Yemen, and India to debate the future of global governance in an era where smaller and mid-sized nations seek to assert greater strategic autonomy.
The panelists collectively questioned whether a G2 framework—a world dominated solely by the US and China—was a viable model for the future. Many argued that while the two superpowers exert significant influence, the global order is no longer binary. Instead, countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America are increasingly shaping international policy through alternative alliances such as BRICS, ASEAN, and regional economic partnerships.
Saeed Khatibzadeh, President of Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies, spoke about how Iran has long navigated geopolitical pressures, adapting to sanctions and shifting alliances. “The world is no longer solely about US-China rivalry,” he noted, highlighting that nations like Iran have actively sought economic diversification and regional partnerships beyond Western-dominated structures.
Former Indonesian Ambassador to the US, Dino Patti Djalal, emphasized ASEAN’s commitment to independent diplomacy. “With or without the US, we will move forward,” he stated, underscoring that Southeast Asian nations are prioritizing flexible trade agreements and security frameworks that do not require alignment with any single global power.
Sunjoy Joshi, Chairman of the Observer Research Foundation (India), dismissed fears of US disengagement, arguing instead that Washington is simply reshaping its foreign policy priorities. “There’s a new sheriff in town, and he wants to do things his way,” he remarked, suggesting that while the US may be shifting tactics, it remains deeply embedded in global geopolitics.
Almut Möller, Director for European and Global Affairs at the European Policy Centre (Germany), addressed Europe’s evolving role in a multipolar world. She acknowledged internal divisions but urged against overemphasizing them. “There are disagreements, yes, but Europe is coming together decisively in response to Russia’s war of aggression,” she stated. She also highlighted the urgency of reinforcing European security structures amid growing uncertainty about US commitments.
From the Middle East, Nada Al Hajjri, President of the Yemen Information Center, discussed how West Asian nations are responding to great-power competition. She pointed to institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO), which have struggled to adapt to shifting power dynamics, arguing that multilateral institutions must evolve to stay relevant.
The panelists agreed that while the US and China remain dominant players, other nations are actively expanding their geopolitical options. Instead of relying on a singular G2 structure, countries are diversifying their economic ties, engaging in South-South cooperation, and strengthening regional alliances. BRICS, for instance, was cited as a potential counterweight to the Western-dominated financial system, offering an alternative to institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
As Clemons –who personally felt that the ‘Global South’ had too many contradictions to be taken seriously– wrapped up the discussion, the consensus among panelists seemed clear: a multipolar world is here to stay.
The challenge, however, lies in whether international institutions can adapt to this new reality or whether emerging powers will need to build parallel structures to safeguard their interests.
