The Crisis Room The end of the rules-based order: is Trump leading the charge?
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Aug 28, 2025 General Sir Nick Carter, the former Chief of the Defence Staff, shares insights on whether Trump's America remains a trustworthy ally and the UK government's grasp of the threat from Putin's Russia. He discusses the pressing need to tackle recruitment issues in the armed forces, suggesting a revival of national service as a potential solution. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of shifting global power dynamics and the erosion of democratic norms sparked by populism and authoritarian influences.
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Rules-Based Order Under Strain
- Post-1945 international rules (trade, climate, UN security) are under sustained pressure from recent leaders and actions.
- Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have both eroded core norms, making rules less reliable in practice.
Normalization Of Extreme Political Moves
- Norman political safeguards and institutions no longer feel certain to many observers given recent US actions and rhetoric.
- Marc Polymeropoulos warns that normalization of extreme behaviour can make autocratic steps feel plausible.
Effectiveness Trumps Legality For Voters
- Trump's rhetoric and actions create a contagion effect where voters reward rule-breaking that appears effective.
- Amber Rudd highlights politicians face pressure to emulate outcomes even if it means bending or changing rules.