Global institutions shape nearly every corner of modern life — from trade and climate agreements to international security and human rights law. But do we actually need them? The question is more contested than it might seem. Proponents argue that in an interconnected world, shared rules protect everyone, especially smaller nations with less power to go it alone. Alexander Stubb, President of Finland, is one of the most vocal defenders of this view: "A world without rules is a harsh reality for a small country. This is not a question of idealism... This is, in fact, about defending our interests." Critics, however, contend that global institutions can undermine national sovereignty, move too slowly to be effective, and often reflect the interests of the powerful rather than the many. The interactive below is designed to help you weigh both sides and come to your own conclusion.

Interactive below