The international order faces increasing strain from unilateralism and protectionism, eroding confidence in global cooperation frameworks. With figures like Donald Trump reinforcing concerns, there's a growing focus on China, particularly Hong Kong, to provide stability in a shifting global landscape.

The international order is under mounting strain. In recent years, unilateralism, protectionism and the selective application of international law have eroded confidence in the rules-based frameworks that once underpinned global cooperation. The return of Donald Trump to the centre of American politics, along with the policy instincts the US president represents, has only reinforced concerns that the United States may continue to privilege narrow domestic calculations over international...