UCL Political Science Events

Global Governance and the Rise of a New World Order

Episode Summary

Recorded in March 2026, this Policy and Practice Seminar explores how shifts in global power are reshaping the international system and the future of global governance amid ongoing conflicts, rising geopolitical competition, and strains on multilateral institutions. It considers what these changes mean for trade, security, and international cooperation, and examines the role of middle and emerging powers in shaping a new global order. The discussion brings together experts in diplomacy, international organisations, and rising power politics to assess both structural change and policy implications. Speakers include Jane Kinninmont and Marina Duque.

Episode Notes

As the global balance of power shifts, this timely discussion explores the structural forces reshaping the international system. What does the future of global governance look like in an era of numerous global conflicts, shifting power relations in the global system, and the paralysis of long-standing international intuitions?  What does this mean for trade, security, and international cooperation? And what role do middle and rising powers play in the new world order? Our expert panel will explore these questions and more.

Meet the speakers

• Jane Kinninmont is the Chief Executive Officer at the United Nations Association – UK. Prior to this she was the Policy & Impact Director at The European Leadership Network (ELN), where she worked to strengthen the influence, policy relevance and impact of the ELN’s research, convening and networks. Jane’s previous positions also include Associate Director for the Middle East and Africa at the Economist Group and Senior Editor/Economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit. She led a research project on generational change in the Gulf Arab monarchies and its impact on Gulf relations with Iraq, Iran and Yemen and worked on various projects that analysed the roots of regional conflicts and brought younger-generation voices from the region into the debates on policy solutions. 
• Marina Duque is a Lecturer in International Politics at Newcastle University. Before entering academia, she worked as a career diplomat in Brazil. Her academic research and work engages crucial debates on rising powers and their motivation for status in the international system using an interdisciplinary and multi-method approach. Her latest book, The Making of International Status, was published with Oxford University Press in 2025.

Recorded 26 March 2026