{"id":4273,"date":"2021-10-06T14:11:41","date_gmt":"2021-10-06T08:41:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/?p=4273"},"modified":"2024-12-27T16:18:46","modified_gmt":"2024-12-27T10:48:46","slug":"multilateralism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/2021\/10\/06\/multilateralism\/","title":{"rendered":"204: MULTILATERALISM"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Pic Courtesy (internet) Chintan India foundation\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Understanding Multilateralism: Definition and Contours<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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In international relations, multilateralism refers to an alliance of multiple countries (group of three or more) pursuing a common goal<\/em><\/strong>. Multilateralism is often defined in opposition to bilateralism and unilateralism. Nevertheless, this “quantitative” definition is not sufficient to capture the nature of multilateralism.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Multilateralism involves adherence to a common political scheme<\/em><\/strong> based on the respect of a shared system of norms and values<\/em><\/strong>. Its operation is determined by collectively developed rules<\/em><\/strong> that ensure sustainable and effective cooperation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Multilateralism is therefore both a method of cooperation and a form of organization of the international system<\/em><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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At the very core of multilateralism lies an interdependency<\/em><\/strong> that is key to the equilibrium needed to maintain peaceful global existence.<\/span><\/p>\n

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In particular, multilateralism is based on founding principles such as consultation, inclusion and solidarity<\/em><\/strong>. It guarantees all actors the same rights and obligations<\/em><\/strong>. Multilateralism gives small powers a voice and influence that they could not otherwise exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Multilateralism is also a dynamic historical process, which cannot be dissociated from the context in which it takes shape.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Multilateralism may be at a global level involving several nations<\/em><\/strong> acting together, as in the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization, or may be at regional level involving regional or military alliances, pacts, or groupings<\/em><\/strong>, such as NATO.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Historical Evolution<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Modern instance of multilateralism occurred in the nineteenth century in Europe after the end of the Napoleonic Wars. In 1815 \u201cThe Concert of Europe\u201d was formed to resolve issues peacefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

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After the First World War world leaders created the League of Nations (which became the precursor of the United Nations) in an attempt to prevent a similar conflict.<\/span><\/p>\n

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After the Second World War, in 1945 United Nations was created. Since then, the “breadth and diversity” of multilateral arrangements escalated.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Post war years also saw the development of organizations such as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) (now the World Trade Organization), the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Health Organization. Formation of these and other subsequent bodies under the United Nations made the new system more powerful.<\/span><\/p>\n

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United Nations peacekeepers stationed around the world became a visible symbol of multilateralism.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Later, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was formed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Over the past hundred years, multilateralism has constantly evolved as it has adapted to the transformations of the international system.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The multilateral architecture quickly grew to encompass economic development, international security, global health, human rights, and environmental issues.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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It found expression in multiple forums such as the UN, World Bank, IMF, WTO, NATO, OECD, as well as more informal venues such the G7 or G20. A long and imperfect work in progress, multilateralism evolved in parallel to, and was a key component of, the emerging liberal international order rooted in normative assumptions of progress.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Present Status<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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With the end of the Cold War, the multilateral system gained a new momentum as global exchanges accelerated and more inclusive, multi stake holder approaches allowed for the participation of new actors.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Nevertheless, this system is now under threat, with its core goals and values challenged from a variety of quarters. What is being witnessed is not the demise of but a decline of multilateralism.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The multilateral system needs a review both in its normative foundations and its operational capacity.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Political rigidities in multilateral organizations charged with overseeing economic globalization \u2013 such as the IMF, World Bank, UN, WTO and others \u2013 have prevented adequate reform.<\/span><\/p>\n

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There are three views on the state of Multilateralism.<\/span><\/p>\n

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