Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel hailed the emergence of a new world order on a visit to Poland on Wednesday.

"It's a time that we are seeing a new and early 21st century world order being built," Hagel said at an event honoring the 223rd anniversary of Poland's constitution.

The remarks recall President George H. W. Bush's 1991 State of the Union address, which heralded the promise of a "new world order" led by American military and moral standing.