What does rules-based world order mean? Why German chancellor’s statement triggered debate

New Delhi: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stirred a debate after he said at the 2026 Munich Security Conference that the rules-based world order has ended and has been replaced by competition among great powers. He further said that the international system established after World War II, which prioritised diplomacy and international law to maintain peace and cooperation, no longer functions as intended. The system was designed to prevent conflicts through agreed rules rather than military might. Over time, it incorporated agreements on trade, finance, security in addition to institutions such as the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organisation (WTO)…