The postwar foundation laid by the United States has been shaken, and the Western model is in trouble as never before. The primary creator of the liberal international order has unwittingly sabotaged itself.

Worries by the United States that China will take over its leadership role are based on a serious strategic misunderstanding. The road ahead for the international power structure as it shifts to a multipolar pattern may be long and difficult, but the prospects are promising.

True multilateralism, as reflected in the UN Charter, is the foundation of a functional world order, which in turn yields peace and prosperity. The future is not necessarily gloomy, so long as nations, which face daunting challenges, can work together in a spirit of harmony.

It’s not a contest between America and China alone, or one pitting democracy against autocracy. Moves by the United States to hold China down affect other countries as well. Unlike the U.S., which is trying to protect its hegemony, China is committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

China and the U.S. share misguided illusions of the other that remain unproductive and even dangerous. Both governments must strive to see each other clearly and cooperate in the face of increasing public hostility.

As China-Russia cooperation has strengthened Chinese military might, divergences on some strategic issues between China and powerful countries have continued to widen. The latter’s perceptions of China have been seriously twisted.

Questions have arisen with the pandemic about who is responsible for what. The answer is simple and clear: National governments are the primary providers of assistance to their citizens.

An international order free of the United States is inconceivable in the long-term, but a tentative limited multilateralism excluding the world’s sole superpower may develop and exist for some time.

With a potential new confrontation looming between China and the United States, it’s clear that the ground has shifted from the Cold War era. The rules of a new cold war will not be set by the major powers alone.

Many analysts argue that the liberal international order ended with the rise of China and the election of US President Donald Trump. But if Joe Biden defeats Trump in November’s election, should he try to revive it? Probably not, but he must replace it.