As we approach the end of 2013, the international system is still in a fragile state. globalisation is still growing but there is no longer much enthusiasm for it and nationalist tendencies are springing up everywhere. On the economic front, the lack of governance is still patently obvious. The major powers are unwilling to apply the same discipline to themselves as they expect from others, and there is still a danger that a crisis comparable to that of 2007-2008 will occur. The G20 seems to be but a very frail buffer against the threat. The BRIC countries – or some of them – are running out of steam. The european Union is still dragging its feet. as far as trade is concerned, multilateralism seems to be waning while initiatives like the TTIP and the TPP are motivated at least as much by politics as by economics. (..)

Thierry de MONTBRIAL
President and Founder of the World Policy Conference
President and Founder of Ifri (French Institute of International Relations)