During the SIB lecture in Utrecht, one question took centre stage: what does the emergence of a multipolar world order mean for the Netherlands and Europe? Why is it on the horizon? Is it related to the decline of the US, or rather to a strategic withdrawal? At a time when power relations are shifting and emerging powers want to assert themselves, it is becoming clear that the international order will be less Western-dominated than it has been for decades. Blocs and partnerships such as the BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation are good examples of this.

Nevertheless, we would do well not to label these countries as anti-Western a priori; on the contrary. Countries such as India, Brazil and South Africa act sovereignly and are emphatically open to closer relations with Europe and the Netherlands.

Based on current geopolitical developments, we discussed how the Netherlands can better position itself in the fragmenting world order. What does the emergence of a multipolar world order, in which economic dependencies, raw materials and technological rivalry are decisive, mean? The interactive lecture offered students insight into the strategic choices facing European countries.

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