A new NPR series looks at the forces changing the world order

For decades after the end of World War II, the phrase "liberal international order" was often associated with a few things: globalization, multilateralism, and a rules-based global system anchored by U.S. leadership. But today, this order is fracturing as authoritarian powers resurge and global alliances shift.

Seen from Washington, President Trump's tariffs, doubts about the effectiveness of security alliances such as NATO and skepticism toward multilateralism are pushing many countries — including some of the United Sates' most steadfast allies — to imagine a future where they must "go it alone."

Yet they might not be so lonely: As the U.S. influence wanes, countries are looking together to fill the vacuum many feel the U.S. is leaving behind. This is particularly true in defense and s