The way we interact, negotiate, and perceive the world has undergone an astronomical shift. From backroom diplomacy to high-profile summits, from hushed alliances to social media-driven narratives, the landscape of global communication is more intricate, focused and instant. Yet, the structures guiding this flow of information remain relics of a bygone era.
The world has evolved, but the framework governing its communication has not. It is time to reimagine and reframe, a new global information order is not just desirable, but essential.
As the world steps into this new chapter of geopolitical shifts, communication strategies are becoming more sophisticated, dynamic, and multidimensional. The need of the hour is to analyse new institutional structures in the shifting political landscape and the major geopolitical developments. The evolving political climate is challenging traditional paradigms, compelling communication specialists, diplomats, and policymakers to rethink how messages are crafted, delivered, and received on a global stage. The era demands a communication framework that not only transcends borders but also bridges communication gaps with precision authenticity and timeliness. The last real effort to balance global communication came in the 1970s with the New World Information and Communication Order (NWICO). Born from the recommendations of the MacBride Commission, NWICO sought to challenge media hegemony and build a more equitable information ecosystem. But the world has moved light-years ahead since then. Digital revolutions, social media, AI-driven content, and the collapse of traditional media gatekeeping have rewritten the rules. Information today is less about access and more about credibility, control, and interpretation. The question is no longer who gets to speak, but how narratives are crafted, consumed, and manipulated. We now live in a world of instant gratification, where attention spans are shorter than ever. Information is expected to be quick, simplified, and emotionally engaging. This ‘instant noodle syndrome’ of communication has transformed how global narratives unfold. In the middle of a geopolitical crisis, or sudden diplomatic shifts, the first response is not from policymakers but from trending hashtags and viral videos. Public perception forms in real-time, often before official statements are drafted. This new reality demands a shift in approach. Diplomacy and governance can no longer afford to treat communication as an afterthought. Strategic messaging must be an integral part of decision-making from the start, ensuring that global narratives are shaped with intention rather than left to the chaos of digital virality.
Geopolitical alliances have been positioned on the pillars of economic cooperation, security, socio- economic issues, commitment to equity, inclusiveness, participation and cooperation. In an era where information is power, their role must expand to shaping global communication standards. Misinformation, propaganda wars, and AI-generated “deepfakes” have turned digital spaces into battlegrounds. By pooling their resources, alliances could lead the charge in crafting a framework that promotes transparency, accountability and digital responsibility.
An information-sharing network between alliances and institutions could facilitate counter-coordinated disinformation campaigns. A standardised approach to AI-driven content moderation could set ethical boundaries for algorithmic influence. More importantly, these alliances can ensure that information remains a tool for progress rather than a weapon of manipulation.
As we stand at this technological crossroads, the question is no longer whether AI will transform communications-it already has. The real question is how we shape this transformation to serve humanity’s best interests. The challenge lies not just in leveraging AI but in redefining communication itself in an era where technology and human intellect must coexist harmoniously. Ultimately, AI’s most profound impact may be its ability to compel us to re-examine what meaningful human connection looks like in a digital world. As we harness AI to amplify our messages, we must ensure we do not lose sight of communication’s essence-the human touch that transforms information into understanding and dialogue into trust.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept, it is the present. AI writes news articles, curates social media feeds, and even shapes political narratives. While it enhances efficiency, it also raises critical concerns. Who controls the algorithms? What biases are embedded in machine-generated content? Without a global framework, AI-driven information dissemination is an unchecked force that can either unify or divide societies.
At the same time, Gen Z-the digital-native generation-has become an undeniable force in global discourse. Their ability to mobilise, influence, and disrupt traditional narratives through social media is unmatched. A new information order must account for this shift, incorporating digital literacy, responsible AI governance, and fact-checking mechanisms into the larger conversation.
A new information order cannot be an abstract idea, it needs a tangible structure. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) should spearhead discussions on an international information governance framework, establishing a ‘Threshold Agreement for Global Communication.’ Such an initiative should include Ethical Standards for AI-generated content to ensure transparency and reduce algorithmic biases. It must also introduce a crisis communication protocol to prevent misinformation spirals during global emergencies. Additionally, a global fact-checking consortium should be established to unite journalists, researchers, and policymakers in a collaborative effort to combat digital disinformation. Lastly, balanced digital sovereignty measures are essential to allow countries to maintain narrative control without suppressing free speech.
What we acquire is a renewed collaborative effort to establish a new “Global Information order”, a platform established institutionally to bridge the gap in the medium and message equation. The 7Rs in communication ie, relevance, relatability, response, revival, reconnection, reconstruction, and reposition need to be mainstreamed in the geopolitical setting. The new global order must work towards the framework that calibrates perceptions, builds relationships and drives action based on mutually agreeable communication tools. This mode should integrate rather than disconnect and create gaps and place a narrative that addresses opportunity, experiences and the vision of mutual coexistence. The changing geopolitical reality of 2025 highlights the need for adaptability in communication. Traditional media must evolve to remain relevant, embracing digital innovations and audience-centric approaches. Meanwhile, social media must grapple with issues of misinformation, polarisation, and echo chambers, striving to become a platform that unites rather than divides. In this era, communication is no longer just about delivering a message,it is about shaping perceptions, building relationships, and driving action.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the ability to communicate effectively will be one of the most powerful tools in navigating the complexities of a neo-geopolitical era. For too long, communication has been seen as a mere tool, a final step to package decisions and policies for public consumption. That mindset is outdated and ineffective. In today’s world, perception is as powerful as policy, and messaging is as critical as the action itself. Strategic communication must be embedded into policymaking from the outset, ensuring that every decision carries a clear, coherent, and credible message. A new global information order is not about control, it is about coherence. It is about ensuring that in an age of instant narratives, the truth is not lost in the noise. It is about fostering a communication ecosystem that is resilient, transparent, and aligned with the evolving digital landscape. The world has already changed. Now, it is time for our information order to catch up.
What we need is a renewed collaborative effort to establish a new “Global Information order”, a platform established institutionally to bridge the gap in the medium and message equation.
(The writer is former civil servant. Views expressed are personal)
