World politics is witnessing neo-royalism and neo-feudalism and US President Donald Trump is seen as a symbol of this wider shift among patterns in Russia, China and Turkey.

• From the 17^th century onwards, and especially through the 19^th and 20^th centuries, foreign policy ceased to be the private enterprise of kings and became a rational, institutionalised activity. 
• However, the weakening of bureaucracies, the erosion of elite authority, emergence of transnational technology giants and the rise of personalised politics have resulted in this shift that resembles our pre-modern past.

Neo-Royalism and Neo-Feudalism

• Neo-royalism: Concentration of power in a sovereign leader, ruling through loyalists rather than institutions, challenging institutional, rule-based international order and multilateralism.
  • Power is vertically centralized around dense social ties that create personal loyalty and connections. 
  • Policies are driven by personal preferences, grievances, and transactions, not institutionalised national interest.
• Neo-Feudalism: Disperses power across private actors and transnational networks that undermine state authority. 
  • Examples: Tech giants controlling digital spaces, platforms like Starlink and social media influencing politics, war, and peace.
  • Resembles medieval order with multiple overlapping authorities.