Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s remarks highlight the erosion of the post–World War II liberal order and the rise of multipolar competition.

He argues that developing nations now play a decisive role in shaping international rules, shifting power away from Western-led multilateralism. Stubb frames the current era as one of “disorder,” where transactional politics outweigh adherence to established norms. His view of a tripartite confrontation—West, East, and South—underscores the fragmentation of global governance and the decline of universal consensus.

For Finland, this geopolitical turbulence has direct implications: while Stubb acknowledges the need to prepare for eventual dialogue with Russia, he ties such prospects to the resolution of the Ukraine conflict. His analysis reflects both realism and caution, recognizing that Finland’s security and diplomacy must adapt to a fractured, competitive world.