FORESIGHT RADAR
The Future of Rules-Based International Order
In collaboration with Dr Joseph Voros
Why do the foundations of global order feel less certain now than they once did? Norms that once held states in check are contested, alternative forms of alliances are growing more assertive, rapid technological change continues to alter the balance of influence and global economic ties are realigning under new pressures. What might these shifts signal about the next configuration of world order?
These questions sit at the centre of The Future of the Rules-Based International Order foresight radar. Built in collaboration with renowned futurist Dr Joseph Voros, radar distils the core elements of Voros' latest research into a visual format, mapping how key forces interact and what they may indicate about the emerging shape of global order.
The foresight radar features 40+ future trends, weak signals and wild cards, organised across six key areas:
Ideational
Shifts in identity politics, populism and social polarisation
Political
Changing spheres of influence, weakening institutional frameworks and competing governance models that redefine international cooperation
Security
Emerging alliances, evolving military tactics and contested interpretations of sovereignty that affect regional and global stability
Informational
The rise of information warfare, declining trust, synthetic media and tightening controls that alter how influence is exercised
Economic
The changing nature of globalisation, new trade alliances and the growing power of major corporations on economic alignment
Technological
Advances in AI, quantum technologies and techno-national competition that reshape strategic capabilities and governance
Unthought Futures
Alongside the six themes, the radar also includes an Unthought Futures dimension to prompt reflection beyond familiar assumptions and to draw attention to emerging issues beyond the horizon.
The idea is simple: many signals remain unexamined not because they are hidden, but because they fall outside conventional frames of reference. By placing this dimension at the centre of the radar, we encourage radar visitors to consider these unconventional possibilities before turning to more recognisable trends.
Access the foresight radar
About Dr. Joseph Voros
Doctorate in theoretical physics (extensions to General Relativity); associated with the Swinburne University of Technology Master of Strategic Foresight for its entire run (2001-2018); developed the Generic Foresight Process framework in 2000, which won three research excellence awards. Independent futures researcher, educator, consultant and speaker. Clients have included the Australian Defence College, the Australian National University’s National Security College and NATO's Allied Command Transformation, Strategic Foresight Branch.
Dr Voros also serves as a member on Futures Platform’s Content Advisory Board, helping ensure that expert-curated content on the platform remains unbiased, balanced and globally relevant.
How to use the foresight radar
The radar brings together over 30 in-depth analyses of future trends, weak signals of change, and potential wild cards, which are collectively referred to as “future phenomena.”
Radar layout & navigation
Each circle on the radar represents a future phenomenon.
Placement reflects the anticipated nature and timeline of the given phenomenon’s future impact
Click any circle to open the phenomenon card, where you’ll find a detailed analysis by our team of futurists
Drag or pinch the radar to zoom in and out
What’s included on each phenomenon card
Overview and background of the topic
Futurists’ assessments of potential future impacts across sectors
Related phenomena and recent news signals
Voting, commenting, and rating options
Select cards also include four alternative future scenarios
Collaboration features
You can vote on each phenomenon directly on its card. To see overall voting results, click the center of the radar.
How to read the phenomena colours
The phenomenon is becoming more common or acute during the given timeframe. Most of its change potential is still ahead.
The phenomenon is becoming more unusual. During the given timeframe, most of its change potential or value has already occurred.
A possible but not probable event or change. The probability within the given timeframe is between 5% to 30%.
A small emerging issue in the present. At the given timeframe, it is still hard to say whether it will become a trend.
