The early decades of the 21st Century have already seen a rapid shifting of global power, and today one could view the world’s relationships flowing through a four-way struggle for balance and dominance between the U.S., China, the EU, and Russia.

Yes, they can. As the world’s two major powers in AI technology, the U.S. and China must work together to build capacity, contribute to AI for developing countries, bridge the digital divide and help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

On February 14, 2025, at 1:30 PM, the 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) opened at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. I arrived early at the conference hall, but the 200 seats had mostly been taken and I finally found a spot back in the room.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to promoting peace in Ukraine has brought significant changes. China needs to find new roles for itself in promoting the peace process, while continuing to advocate political solutions.

The future is uncertain for the European Union as powerful regimes with inward-looking agendas have begun rolling out policy in the U.S., Germany, and France, due in no small part to the second Trump administration. For Europe, NATO, and the conflict in Ukraine, this could potentially lead to unprecedented changes in the modern global order.

America’s stunning withdrawal from global leadership under President Donald Trump’s isolationist policies has accelerated China’s rise, marking a significant shift in global power dynamics. China’s timing is perfect for the moment as it promotes a vision of global collaboration and shared prosperity.

The world is undergoing profound changes, as reflected in the report from this year’s Munich Security Conference. Focusing on multi-polarization, the report details U.S. arrogance, European hopelessness, Global South helplessness and worldwide disorder.

Three major conferences held in Europe — the Davos Forum, the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit and the Munich Security Conference — underscored the defining feature of the current international landscape: It’s a complex and evolving mix of cooperation and competition.

If Europe fails to awaken and respond to its humiliating rejection by the United States, it will lose not only its seat at the table for Ukraine-Russia peace talks but also its status as a leading player in the future multipolar world.

European delegates to security conference, reacting to a disturbing speech by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, say privately that it’s clear the continent must gradually break with the United States. The reduction of America’s strategic investment in Europe is accelerating Europe’s search for autonomy in an increasingly multipolar world.