TL;DR
The political victory of Donald Trump in the USA is also a sign of the need for new reforms and ideas regarding global and local development. Globalization since the 1990s and before the 2020s was mainly based on (neo)liberal values such as freedom, democracy, and individual rights. While these values and principles remain important, the world needs a new system built on the decentralization of democracy, markets, and citizenship. The goal is to promote local-to-global cooperation and solve critical challenges and problems using technologies like blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and self-sovereign identities. A future-oriented approach must integrate decentralized initiatives, regenerative practices, and innovative governance to create a sustainable, inclusive, and collaborative world.
The “international world order” shaped since the 1990s has been defined by (neo)liberal ideas and values focusing on openness, rights, and freedoms. While these principles remain very important for the future, the 21st century demands new ideas and a reimagining of global development by decentralizing governance, cooperation, and markets. Cryptocurrencies, blockchain platforms, and self-sovereign identities already empower and make it easier for individuals and communities to co-create solutions for global challenges.
The decentralized technologies bypass older and centralized governance models, allowing humans to collaborate worldwide. For example, decentralized finance (DeFi) and regenerative finance (ReFi) are transforming economic systems to prioritize sustainability and equity while practicing decentralized market economics and civic engagement. This shift also opens the door for integrating advanced technologies with traditional ecological knowledge.
For example, indigenous communities have long practiced sustainability through regenerative systems such as permaculture. Coupled with modern innovations, these practices can lead to holistic solutions that restore ecosystems, support human development, and ensure resilience against environmental crises. It is important to understand that challenges such as climate change cannot be solved only through centralized institutions and governments.
Therefore, decentralized democracy is also important to this new development and necessary change. The recent elections in the USA have shown many flaws and problems because of political tribalism, populism, and social distrust. Through decentralized democracy, inclusive participation at local, regional, and global levels is enabled, and complex issues such as climate change, migration, and economic differences are addressed. This approach differs from outdated reliance on centralized organizations like the IMF or World Bank, focusing instead on innovative institutions like decentralized polities, markets, and global citizenship frameworks.
Another important part of the decentralized transformation is rejecting nationalism as a viable path forward. Nationalist ideologies, exemplified by leaders like Donald Trump and far-right parties in Europe, prioritize centralized control while fostering division and exclusion between humans and nations. Nationalism creates a global “apartheid” system in an economically connected yet politically fragmented world where universal solidarity and cooperation are ignored and opposed.
Instead of defending earlier forms of globalization or falling into nationalist traps, the future requires integrating federalist, environmental, and decentralized principles. Concepts like a World Parliament for democratic global governance and grassroots initiatives exemplify how humans can balance local needs with global priorities through decentralized co-creation.
The 21st century offers an opportunity to transcend the limitations of past globalization efforts. By prioritizing decentralized democracy and integrating ecological and technological advancements, humanity can build systems that unite individuals, communities, and nations to cooperate for a safer, prosperous, and sustainable world.
