The assertion that the concepts of civilization, a rule-based international order, and human rights have been revealed as illusions over the past 15 months touches on several complex and debated issues in contemporary global discourse.

Civilization: The notion of civilization as a singular, cohesive entity has been questioned, especially in light of recent global events. Some argue that the veneer of civility often masks underlying conflicts and power dynamics. Recent conflicts and political upheavals have led to discussions about whether the idea of a "civilized" world order is an illusion when the reality shows persistent issues like war, corruption, and social injustices. This perspective suggests that civilization, often portrayed as a pinnacle of human achievement, might be more of an ideal than a reality, especially when facing crises.

Rule-Based International Order: The concept of a rule-based international order is fundamentally challenged when major powers seemingly bypass international laws or norms for their geopolitical interests. Over the last 15 months, various actions by global powers, including vetoes in the United Nations Security Council, unilateral military actions, or economic sanctions that bypass multilateral agreements, have fueled debates about the efficacy and sincerity of this order. Critics argue that the international "rules" are often bent or ignored by powerful nations, rendering the system less about rules and more about power dynamics. This has led to a perception that the international legal framework might be more of an illusion when not consistently upheld.

Human Rights: The illusion of universal human rights is particularly contentious. The selective application of human rights norms, where some countries are criticized while others with similar or worse practices are not, has been highlighted in recent times. Events like the ongoing conflicts in various regions, where human rights violations are reported but responses from international bodies vary, have led to discussions on whether human rights are genuinely universal or if they remain contingent upon geopolitics and power. The inconsistency in addressing human rights abuses worldwide suggests to some that the commitment to human rights might be more rhetorical than practical, thus exposing an illusion.

These discussions are not new but have gained renewed vigor due to recent global developments, where the gap between the ideal and the reality has been starkly highlighted. The sentiment on platforms like X also reflects a growing cynicism about these illusions, with many posts questioning the integrity and application of these principles in the current geopolitical landscape.

In summary, while these concepts are foundational to much of international law and diplomacy, the past 15 months have intensified scrutiny on how well they are upheld in practice, leading to a broader questioning of their true nature and effectiveness.