The article outlines the collapse of the international legal order that emerged following the adoption of the United Nations Charter, a system long considered vital for global governance. It attributes the final blow to this order to the foreign policy of Donald Trump, but notes that the liberal globalization era that peaked in the 1990s was already in decline. The rise of China, the alarming presence of authoritarian regimes in human rights bodies, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine are identified as significant factors contributing to this decline, compounded by the indecision of the United States and the apparent paralysis of Europe.

The liberal world order was initially constructed as a reaction to the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime, with the leaders of western democracies believing that the existing “Westphalian” system—characterized by unilateralism—was a root cause of past conflicts. In this system, each state had the autonomy to set and enforce its own domestic and foreign policies without external interference, which they identified as problematic. The article implies that the shift in global dynamics necessitates a rethinking and adaptation of human rights frameworks to fit the emerging realities of leadership around the world.

In light of these developments, the author suggests that a reevaluation of human rights is critical to address the new geopolitical challenges posed by authoritarian regimes and the shifting balance of power. The call to adapt human rights to this new order reflects a growing concern about the effectiveness of current human rights norms in addressing global issues and the urgent need for a reimagined international framework that can operate effectively within the new geopolitical landscape.