Kingston, Jamaica — 25 January 2026
As global politics drift away from the post-Second World War, rules-based order, emerging shifts in power among major nations are beginning to pose long-term risks for smaller and mid-sized countries such as Jamaica—with potential consequences for land security, housing resilience, development financing and economic stability.
Recent signals from the United States and other major powers suggest a growing emphasis on unilateral action, strategic dominance and spheres of influence, rather than multilateral rules and institutions that have governed international relations for decades. For countries like Jamaica, which rely on global cooperation, climate finance, trade access and development partnerships, this change in direction matters well beyond diplomacy.
At its core, the global order shapes how countries access capital, respond to shocks and protect domestic stability. When international rules weaken, smaller states face increased exposure to externa…
