Politics Now The new world disorder
21 snips
Mar 3, 2026 They unpack the widening Middle East war and its geopolitical ripple effects. They discuss US rhetoric on rules of engagement and uncertainty about objectives. They cover risks to the global rules-based order, displacement and migration pressures. They flag economic fallout: oil shocks, inflation worries and complications for budget planning and politics.
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US Strategy Sends Mixed Signals
- The US campaign in the Middle East mixes goals like destroying Iran's missile capacity and preventing a nuclear weapon while signalling possible regime-change motivations.
- Patricia Karvelas highlights contradictory objectives and ambiguous messaging from the US that make the conflict's duration and aims unpredictable.
Unilateral Messaging Undermines Predictability
- Raf Epstein notes the US lacks clear coalition-building or UN engagement and is announcing actions unilaterally through presidential platforms.
- He points out inconsistent timelines and rhetoric (e.g., five weeks vs obliteration claims) that complicate allies' responses.
Rules-Based Order Losing Its Grip
- Patricia Karvelas warns the international rules-based order appears to be crumbling as great powers act without the previous constraints.
- She argues Australia and Canada's supportive stance reflects a new reality where rules matter less to major powers.