The Future of Law in a Multipolar World: Toward a Global New Deal

Abstract

We are currently undergoing a fundamental shift in the global economic order. These changes in the global economic order will produce a new multi-polar world with more mid-level powers from various regions. One of the dominant features of the new multi-polar world will be a dramatic increase in the diversity of cultures, religions, worldviews, economies, political regimes and legal systems. The new order will require, and be reflected in, a change in existing institutions and how they operate, as well as the creation of new institutions. Although the rise of new powers has often resulted in war in the past, there are some grounds to hope that this time will be different. But even if military conflict between old and new powers is avoided, a New Global Deal – a new vision for a more equitable world, combined with feasible development agendas – is urgently needed to ensure a more just world in which global resources and burdens are more fairly shared by all.