What is Multilateralism?

• Multilateralism is the practice of three or more states coordinating national policies to address common challenges. 
  • It differs from unilateralism (acting alone in national interest) and bilateralism (cooperation between just two countries).
• Emergence: after World War II through institutions like the United Nations (UN), World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Trade Organization (WTO).

Significance of Multilateralism

• Creates global standards that make modern life possible (telecommunications, aviation, emerging AI governance).
• Maintains peace and security: through conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and arms control, e.g. it is widely credited for preventing a third world war during the Cold War.
• Provides the effective mechanism for global public goods such as climate change, pandemics, unregulated AI, and economic stability.
• Underpins successful globalization and poverty reduction via open trade and monetary systems.

Crisis in Multilateralism

• Great-power rivalry (U.S.–China–Russia) has paralyzed bodies like the UN Security Council and risks splitting global governance into competing blocs.
• Institutions remain outdated: E.g. the Security Council over-represents Europe and under-represents the Global South, creating a legitimacy deficit.
• Unilateralism and protectionism by USA: E.g. “America First” policies, tariff wars, and withdrawals from agreements like the Paris Accord, etc. have eroded trust.
• Alternative blocs (BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) are emerging to champion a “fairer, more democratic multipolar order” and amplify developing-world voices.