External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday warned that the world is witnessing greater weaponisation, higher risk-taking, and politics suited to the social media era, arguing that growing geopolitical competition and the pursuit of narrow national interests are undermining globalisation and reshaping the international order.
Keynote at Jeju Forum
Delivering the keynote address at the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity in South Korea, Jaishankar said the international system is entering a period marked by sharper rivalries, increased deployment of economic and technological capabilities as instruments of influence, and a willingness among nations to take greater risks.
“The world is today witnessing greater weaponisation, higher risk-taking and a politics suited to the social media era. As the interests of a few are openly prioritised, the costs to the many are less considered,” he said.
Geopolitical turbulence and fragmentation
The minister’s remarks come amid continuing geopolitical turbulence, trade disputes, technology wars, and conflicts across multiple regions, developments that have intensified concerns over the fragmentation of the global order. Jaishankar argued that fragmentation is no longer a temporary phenomenon but an enduring feature of international relations. While it has created more space for emerging powers and reduced excessive dominance by a few countries, it has also generated fresh challenges relating to stability, security, and economic efficiency.
Weaponisation of economic tools
He said economic interdependence and globalisation brought countries closer through supply chains, technology, connectivity, and mobility of talent. However, these gains are increasingly being offset by the weaponisation of finance, production capabilities, market access, resources, and technology.
“The natural play of commerce is increasingly influenced by the calculations of strategy,” he said, noting that international economic relations are increasingly shaped by geopolitical considerations.
Criticism of non-market practices
Without naming any country, Jaishankar also criticised attempts to manipulate competitiveness and restrict market access, saying the right to industrialise is being denied to many developing nations through non-market practices.
