When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, Jan Eliasson, who was then Sweden’s UN ambassador, saw a wave of hope sweep over the world. But three decades later, he notes that the world is a more dangerous place now than during most of the Cold War.
– It is historically tragic that the fall of the wall did not lead to reconciliation. The security systems that have been built no longer apply, and then of course the risks of further confrontation increase, he says.
Great tensions
Russia’s war against Ukraine has led to major tensions between the major powers. While the democracies of the West are demanding that Russia end its war of aggression, there is a large group of countries that have abstained from taking sides in the votes that have been held in the UN General Assembly. The world’s most populous countries China and India are two examples.
Although Jan Eliasson believes that it is important to stand up against China in matters relating to human rights, he also believes that we need to maintain trade and good contacts.
– Not least to avoid China and Russia joining forces and forming their own military doctrine.
“Risks with Trump’s possible return”
According to Jan Eliasson, the clear East and West blocs that we previously saw are about to be replaced by a more multipolar world, with several different centers of power. And when democracy in the world is under pressure, Europe should take a more leading role, he believes.
This applies not least if Donald Trump were to become president of the United States again. Then the transatlantic link risks being broken, says Jan Eliasson:
– Then Europe must increase its own capacity in the area of security. It could lead to a renaissance of European cooperation.
See which countries Jan Eliasson thinks are the most important to keep an eye on right now in the clip above.
