FIIA Day: Saving the Liberal World Order

The liberal world order is under increasing pressure. It is not only challenged by the emerging powers with their different societal values and highly state-centric approach to international politics. The challenges originate equally in the sharp polarization of Western societies, manifest in disagreements over the merits of globalization and internationalization. With the US under Donald Trump’s presidency taking a more hesitant stance towards the values underpinning the liberal order, the EU’s responsibility for nurturing the common Western political heritage is growing. Is the EU prepared for this task and capable of assuming such leadership? What does it require from the Union in terms of new strategic approaches and partnerships? What has to be done to convince the world of the EU’s credibility and resolve to protect its own founding values globally?