Editorials & Opinions Analysis for UPSC
Comprehensive breakdown with Mind Maps, Flowcharts & Practice Questions
📅 18 February 2026
The New World Disorder: From Rules to Might
The post-1945 rules-based international order is weakening amid great-power rivalry, unilateralism, and the growing norm erosion — marking a shift from rules to power-centric geopolitics.
A. Issue in Brief
Core Problem
The Rules-Based International Order (RBIO) — built on the UN system, international law, collective security, and free trade — is under severe strain. Great-power rivalry, unilateral actions, and erosion of shared norms are driving a transition from a rules-governed to a power-centric global order.
Key Manifestations
Increased use of sanctions, trade wars, selective treaty compliance, and military coercion. The rise of multipolarity — US–China rivalry, resurgent middle powers, and Global South assertion — is reshaping institutions, norms, and agenda-setting in global politics.
B. Mind Map — Erosion of the Rules-Based Order
C. Key Dimensions of the Crisis
Geopolitical Shift
US treaty withdrawals and bilateral deal preference. China builds parallel governance via BRICS, SCO, BRI, AIIB. India, Brazil, Türkiye pursue strategic autonomy.
Institutional Paralysis
UNSC veto politics undermine collective security. WTO dispute settlement broken since 2019. Bretton Woods institutions under-represent the Global South.
Security Unravelling
Grey-zone warfare (cyber, proxy wars, maritime coercion). INF Treaty collapse and New START uncertainty erode arms control architecture.
Economic Fragmentation
Shift from hyper-globalisation to friend-shoring. Rising trade restrictions and industrial subsidies. Weaponisation of energy, tech, and finance.
Normative Erosion
Declining consensus on human rights and democracy promotion. Sovereignty invoked to resist scrutiny. “Might is right” challenges rule-of-law ethics.
Critical Analysis
Not collapse but transition to contested multipolar order. RBIO always reflected power realities. Interdependence still necessitates cooperation on climate, trade, health.
D. Flowchart — India’s Navigation Strategy
E. Data & Evidence
| Indicator | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| State-based conflicts | Highest number since 1945 | UN Reports |
| Global military spending | Crossed $2.4 trillion | SIPRI |
| Trade-restrictive measures | Rising annually since late 2010s | WTO |
| WTO Appellate Body | Non-functional since 2019 | WTO |
| Arms control | INF Treaty collapsed; New START uncertain | Various |
F. India’s Perspective & Way Forward
India’s Approach
India supports reformed multilateralism — advocating Global South voice, UNSC reform, climate justice, and development equity. It balances strategic autonomy with issue-based partnerships across Quad, BRICS, G20, and SCO.
Way Forward
1. Reform global institutions — UNSC expansion, WTO dispute restoration, IMF quota reforms. 2. Promote inclusive multilateralism reflecting Global South priorities. 3. Strengthen issue-based coalitions on climate, health, and digital governance. 4. Develop norms for cyber, AI, and space. 5. Rebuild trust via predictable rule adherence by major powers.
G. Prelims Pointers
Practice MCQs — The New World Disorder
Prelims StandardQ1. Consider the following statements about the Rules-Based International Order (RBIO):
1. It was established primarily through the Treaty of Versailles (1919).
2. The UN Charter (1945) institutionalised sovereign equality and collective security.
3. The WTO Appellate Body has been non-functional since 2019.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q2. Which of the following is/are correctly matched?
| Grouping | Members |
|---|---|
| 1. Quad | India, US, Japan, Australia |
| 2. AUKUS | Australia, UK, US |
| 3. BRICS (original) | Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Korea |
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q3. The term “minilateralism” in the context of international relations refers to:
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding SIPRI:
1. SIPRI is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
2. It tracks global military expenditure and arms transfers.
3. Global military spending has crossed $2.4 trillion as per recent data.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Q5. With reference to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), consider the following:
1. It was proposed by China.
2. India is a founding member.
3. The USA is one of its largest shareholders.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
“The rules-based international order is under strain but not obsolete.” Examine the causes of its erosion and discuss how India should navigate the emerging multipolar world.
GS Paper II — 15 Marks | 250 WordsSuggested Structure
Introduction: Define RBIO and acknowledge the strain it faces while noting it retains relevance. Body Para 1 — Causes of Erosion: Geopolitical rivalry (US-China), institutional paralysis (UNSC veto, WTO), economic fragmentation (friend-shoring, sanctions), security instability (arms control collapse), and normative decline. Body Para 2 — India’s Strategy: Reformed multilateralism (UNSC expansion, IMF reform), Global South leadership (G20, ISA, CDRI), strategic autonomy with issue-based partnerships (Quad, BRICS, SCO), and norm-building in cyber/AI/space. Conclusion: The order is transitioning, not collapsing; India’s constructive multilateralism can help shape the emerging multipolar framework.
Front & Centre: Front-of-Package Labelling
The Supreme Court’s push for mandatory FOPL on foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats — linking consumer rights with the right to health under Article 21.
A. Issue in Brief
The Problem
India faces a massive NCD crisis: 101 million diabetics, 136 million prediabetics, hypertension in 35.5% of the population. The Supreme Court is pushing FSSAI for time-bound, effective front-of-package warning labels on HFSS (High Fat, Sugar, Salt) foods.
The Debate
Clear warning labels (like Chile’s black-box model) vs. industry-friendly rating systems. Balancing public health imperatives against processed-food industry concerns and market interests.
B. Mind Map — FOPL Framework
C. Flowchart — FOPL: From Problem to Solution
D. Key Dimensions of FOPL
Constitutional & Legal
Article 21 expanded to include right to health & safe food. Article 47 DPSP obligates state to improve public health. FSS Act, 2006 empowers FSSAI on labelling standards.
Governance
FSSAI’s delay and preference for Indian Nutrition Rating model shows tension between evidence-based regulation and stakeholder accommodation. Needs standardised enforcement.
Social & Ethical
Strengthens consumer autonomy. Reduces information asymmetry between corporations and citizens. Protects vulnerable groups — children, low-literacy consumers.
Public Health
ICMR-INDIAB (2023): 101M diabetics (11.4%), 136M prediabetics. Hypertension 35.5%, abdominal obesity 39.5%. Prevention via dietary awareness is critical.
Economic
NCDs impose massive healthcare and productivity costs. Global evidence shows FOPL drives product reformulation and healthier innovation — net positive for industry.
Challenges
Industry lobbying and regulatory capture risks. Consumer awareness gaps even with labels. Need for periodic scientific threshold revision for sugar/salt/fat limits.
E. NCD Data & Global Best Practices
| Indicator | Data (India) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Diabetics | 101 million (11.4%) | ICMR-INDIAB 2023 |
| Prediabetics | 136 million | ICMR-INDIAB 2023 |
| Hypertension | 35.5% | ICMR-INDIAB 2023 |
| Abdominal Obesity | 39.5% | ICMR-INDIAB 2023 |
| High Cholesterol | 24% | ICMR-INDIAB 2023 |
| Country | FOPL Model | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Chile | Black-box warning labels | Measurable reduction in HFSS consumption |
| Mexico | Octagonal warning labels | Reduced consumption of sugary products |
| Israel | Interpretive warning labels | Positive dietary behaviour change |
F. Prelims Pointers
Practice MCQs — Front-of-Package Labelling
Prelims StandardQ1. With reference to FSSAI, consider the following statements:
1. It is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
2. It functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
3. It has the power to regulate labelling standards for packaged foods.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Q2. Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL) primarily targets which category of foods?
Q3. Which of the following countries is/are known for using interpretive warning labels on food packages?
1. Chile
2. United States
3. Mexico
Select the correct answer:
Q4. Article 47 of the Indian Constitution relates to:
Q5. As per the ICMR-INDIAB study (2023), the approximate prevalence of diabetes in India is:
“Front-of-package labelling is a low-cost but high-impact public health intervention.” Examine its significance in tackling India’s NCD burden and discuss regulatory challenges.
GS Paper II/III — 15 Marks | 250 WordsSuggested Structure
Introduction: Highlight India’s NCD crisis using ICMR data and the link to HFSS food consumption. Body Para 1 — Significance: Constitutional backing (Art. 21, Art. 47), reduces information asymmetry, protects vulnerable groups, global success in Chile/Mexico, WHO endorsement. Body Para 2 — Regulatory Challenges: FSSAI delay, industry lobbying, choosing effective label format, consumer awareness gaps, need for scientific threshold revision. Body Para 3 — Way Forward: Adopt WHO-aligned warning labels, integrate with school nutrition campaigns, incentivise reformulation, independent science panels. Conclusion: FOPL is a preventive, equity-enhancing intervention that must overcome regulatory inertia to save lives.
