Historian Warns of Real Threat of World War Amid East-West Tensions

In a recent interview, historian Andreas Rödder addressed the deteriorating state of the international order, highlighting the resurgence of conflict between East and West. Rödder, a professor at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, notes that while the idea of American hegemony seemed prevalent from 1989 until the early 2000s, it has significantly waned since the onset of the War on Terror and the global financial crisis of 2008.

Rödder contends that contemporary conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and the Middle East, stem from unresolved issues following the Cold War. He argues these crises reflect a struggle over hegemonic influence, with Russia denying Ukraine's sovereignty, Iran questioning Israel's right to exist, and China asserting claims over Taiwan.

He emphasizes the importance of revitalizing Western democracies to counteract an aggressive global East represented by Russia and China. Rödder warns that the potential for a new world war is not far-fetched, advocating for a robust internal and external response from Western nations. He suggests that while strengthening defense capabilities is crucial, doing so must not come at the expense of social welfare systems, which are already strained.

Looking forward, Rödder calls for a return to a model of civil society that promotes individual capabilities over collectivist ideologies. He believes that this could serve as a foundation for a more stable future, where the West focuses on maintaining self-determination and sovereignty without imposing its values globally.