By early 2026, the global order has moved from a “unipolar” or “multilateral” system toward a fragmented regionalism. With the United States actively dismantling its participation in international organizations, regional blocs have transformed from secondary partners into the primary guarantors of trade, security, and technological standards.
Despite rising nationalism, a 2025 global survey reveals that 84% of people still favor international cooperation over isolation. While trust in major world powers has dwindled, most citizens view multilateralism as a practical necessity for addressing shared threats like food insecurity, climate change, and pandemics through enlightened self-interest.
Brazil’s foreign policy is influenced by a unique historical context; unlike many Global South countries with colonial histories, Brazil’s frustrations arise from its exclusion from the leadership of the postwar order it helped create. This ongoing disappointment informs Brazilian diplomacy, fueling campaigns for institutional reform and recognition, reflecting both ambition and insecurity.
