Foreign Policy Live The World After Oct. 7, 2023
Oct 7, 2025
Stephen M. Walt, a Harvard professor and Foreign Policy columnist, dives deep into the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attacks and their drastic global repercussions. He discusses unexpected shifts in regional power dynamics, the waning credibility of international law, and the role of great powers in shaping the UN's effectiveness. Walt also highlights the polarization between the Global South and the West, rising antisemitism linked to Israeli policies, and the profound impact of social media on public perception. It's a thought-provoking exploration of an evolving geopolitical landscape.
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Oct. 7 Reshaped Regional Power
- The Oct. 7 attack triggered far-reaching regional transformations and weakened several actors.
- The U.S. image as a reliable manager of Middle East events has been tarnished, prompting hedging.
Accountability Shapes International Law
- Accountability will determine whether international law survives as a meaningful constraint.
- If major powers shield perpetrators, norms will erode and a more lawless world may follow.
Great Powers Keep Institutions Alive
- Great-power backing is essential for UN credibility and enforcement.
- U.S. undermining of institutions empowers rivals like China and Russia to reshape rules.
