Former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger warns Britain and its allies from London that strongman politics is replacing international law as power shifts across the world

Across the globe, there’s a growing sense that power is no longer checked by shared rules or institutions, but driven by raw strength and influence.

Many people feel the balance has shifted, with force and authority taking precedence over diplomacy and international law.

That uneasy mood is now being echoed by one of Britain’s most seasoned intelligence figures.

Former MI6 Chief Raises the Alarm

Sir Alex Younger, the former head of MI6 and the longest-serving spy chief in the past half-century, has warned that global politics is increasingly shaped by the idea that “might is right.”

According to him, today’s world is dominated by powerful leaders who control their own spheres of influence, tolerate similar behavior from other strongmen, and firmly dominate their immediate regions.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Sir Alex said this shift signals a clear change in the global order, moving away from cooperation and agreed principles toward power-driven decision-making.

Donald Trump and the Strongman Approach

Sir Alex pointed directly to former US President Donald Trump as a clear example of this leadership style.

He argued that Trump’s actions and worldview reflect the belief that strength, not rules, determines outcomes on the world stage.

This approach, he said, has placed America’s allies in an awkward position—especially when they must publicly defend international law while remaining closely aligned with a leader who appears to sidestep it.

A Hypocrisy Problem for the UK and Its Allies

The former MI6 chief also pointed to a delicate issue facing the UK.

He noted that Britain’s reluctance to accuse Trump of breaching international law—particularly in relation to US strikes on Venezuela—creates a credibility problem.

That silence, Sir Alex explained, opens the door to accusations of hypocrisy, especially since the UK was vocal in condemning Russia for violating international law following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

This double standard, he warned, is especially damaging when viewed from the perspective of the Global South.

Democracy Under Pressure Worldwide

Sir Alex’s comments come alongside troubling findings from a major international survey.

Research conducted by consultancy firm FGS Global across 27 major democracies, involving around 20,000 people, suggests confidence in democracy is eroding fast.

A striking 69 per cent of respondents believe democracy is weakening, while 68 per cent feel their political systems are failing.

Many see power slipping away from institutions meant to uphold fairness and accountability.

A System Seen as Serving the Few

Public frustration appears deeply rooted in inequality and influence.

Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed—74 per cent—said the political system mainly serves a rich and powerful elite rather than ordinary citizens.

Adding to the concern, 69 per cent believe strong leaders now wield more influence than international institutions designed to maintain order and cooperation.

Fears for the Next Generation

Perhaps most worrying is the outlook for the future.

About 73 per cent of respondents said they believe life will be harder for the next generation, reflecting widespread anxiety about political stability, economic opportunity, and global security.

What Happens Next?

With strongman politics on the rise and faith in democracy fading, the big question remains how global leaders and institutions will respond.

Whether the world can return to shared principles—or continues down a path defined by power alone—may shape international relations for decades to come.

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