From a rules-based world to shambolic disorder

Even prior to the Trump interlude in the United States, there were enough signs that the world was witnessing uncertainty across many sectors.

- GNS News Agency, May 5

This was a heralding of problematic conditions in many areas of the globe, and policymakers, strategists and business leaders had begun to prepare for more difficult times ahead. Some did, however, hew to the view that new analytical tools and strategic methodologies which were in use would help mitigate the levels of uncertainty in the course of time.Leader-led disruptionNotwithstanding this, the majority adhered to the view that the recent shifts in global hegemonies, the spate of disruptive technologies and also prevailing geopolitical tensions were certain to herald more disruption, accompanied by an increase in geopolitical tensions and economic tsunamis. The general consensus, hence, is that given the influence wielded by leaders such as Xi Jinping of China, Vladimir Putin of Russia, and Donald Trump in the U.S. — not excluding the role of leaders such as Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy, intent on disrupting the existing order — there is little hope of change for the better.