Issue Permanent split of the world order toward 2040

Summary

The report defines current geopolitics as a permanent instability of the world order and warns that over a longer horizon, toward 2040, this fragmentation could harden into a lasting split. The single global internet and single financial system might give way to separate technological and economic blocs. The report mentions that this outcome is sometimes called the SplinterNet online. For the Netherlands, such a split would make its position as a neutral trading hub less relevant. Since nation states acting alone become less effective, the report expects EU coordination and joint instruments in foreign and security policy to gain importance.