Is the West in decline?

June 20, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is a deft operator in foreign policy. In fact, he has made several trips abroad since becoming Prime Minister in 2022.

While some have criticised his travels, I think it bears importance because our world is in turmoil and it is disdainful to say that foreign visits by our leaders do not help in bolstering our economic, political and cultural heft.

That brings me back to the question at hand, is the West in decline and if yes, what role can we play to safeguard our interests?

For starters, the notion that the West is in decline is a multifaceted argument, shaped by political, economic, and social dynamics. This narrative, particularly in the context of the ongoing turmoil in Europe, is due to the Ukraine war and the rise of far-right movements. There is no simple answer.

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 has significantly destabilised Europe. The conflict has not only resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with over eight million Ukrainians displaced,

but it has also triggered economic and political repercussions across the continent. The European Union (EU) has imposed extensive sanctions on Russia, which in turn has led to disruptions in energy supplies. Russia supplied 40% of Europe’s natural gas before the war, but this has drastically reduced, leading to an energy crisis.

Germany, Europe’s largest economy, has been particularly affected. In 2022, Germany’s inflation rate hit a 40-year high, largely driven by soaring energy costs. The German government’s response included a €200bil relief package to shield households and businesses from energy price spikes. Such measures indicate the profound impact of the conflict on European