IRC Chief David Miliband Warns of 'Global Disorder' as 65 Conflicts Erupt Worldwide

David Miliband, president of the International Rescue Committee and former UK foreign secretary, has warned that the world is entering a period of "more shocks and fewer shock absorbers" as global conflicts escalate and the rules governing international order are increasingly ignored.

In an interview with The National's Editor-in-Chief Mina Al-Oraibi in Abu Dhabi, Miliband highlighted a critical "lack of accountability" that is fueling a state of global disorder. He noted that there are currently 65 active conflicts worldwide, describing the situation as extraordinary given that the world possesses more resources to do good than at any point in human history.

Miliband argued that some of the most powerful nations are setting a dangerous precedent by disregarding the rules established after the Second World War. He specifically pointed to the erosion of the 1945 UN Charter and the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which protect territorial integrity and civilian lives during wartime. According to Miliband, when powerful countries ignore these global rules, it invites "copycat behaviour" from others.

The IRC chief also discussed the significant impact of the Iran war, suggesting it has had more profound ramifications for transatlantic relations than the Iraq war. He noted that the conflict, which began on February 28 following joint US and Israel attacks, has led to Iran retaliating against regional neighbors and blockading the Strait of Hormuz. This blockade has disrupted approximately 20 percent of global oil and gas flows, triggering a global energy crisis.

Miliband expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of current negotiations between Washington and Tehran, stating that any deals to pacify the situation may fail to restore the status quo ante. He concluded that resolving the current crisis will be a long-term endeavor rather than a short-term fix.