Historian Warns of Real Danger of World War Amidst International Tensions

In a recent interview, historian Andreas Rödder discussed the escalating conflicts between Eastern and Western powers, highlighting the potential for a new world war. Rödder, a professor at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, asserts that the current international order is disintegrating and military deterrence is inadequate for ensuring peace.

Rödder critiques the collapse of American hegemony, which he argues only existed briefly from 1989 until the early 2000s. He points to the effects of the 2008 financial crisis and the rise of revisionist powers like Russia and China as key factors undermining the liberal world order established in the wake of the Cold War. According to Rödder, the expansion of NATO and the lack of substantive security guarantees for Ukraine have exacerbated tensions, pushing the country into a precarious position.

He stresses the importance of revitalizing Western democracies to counter threats from non-democratic regimes, identifying a need for stronger internal resolve alongside external military readiness. Rödder suggests that fostering a model of civil society centered on individual rights, rather than collectivism, could be a pathway out of the current turmoil.

Rödder warns that the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza reflect a broader struggle for hegemonic influence and could potentially lead to a global confrontation if not addressed properly. He calls for a reassessment of Western foreign policy, advocating for respect for sovereign rights and a focus on internal cohesion rather than imposing democratic ideals globally.