Decline of Multilateralism
The United States, once a leader in establishing multilateral institutions, is now moving away from this approach. The current U.S. administration is focusing on supranationalist interests, employing transactional diplomacy with limited ethical consideration.
Historical Context and Changes
In the 1990s, there was hope for strengthening global cooperation due to political changes in Russia and the Eastern bloc, alongside Western liberalism. However, this has shifted to an assertive Russia and a powerful China, alongside a decline in liberalism in the U.S. and Europe.
The Nature of the Multilateral System
- Multilateral institutions have been in place for 80 years but lack uniformity.
- Many operate outside the direct authority of the UN, with treaty bodies offering equal roles to all signatories.
Challenges to the World Trade Organization (WTO)
- The WTO's dispute settlement mechanism is under threat.
- Violations of its most-favoured-nation rule are occurring.
The Role of Major Powers and the UN
- The international system reflects compromises between dominant powers and a concert of nations.
- The UN provides space for smaller states to influence global relations, despite its limited role in securing agreements among great powers.
Cooperative Multilateralism in the 1990s
The UN's global conferences in the 1990s led to the codification of shared values and policy norms, facilitated by the collapse of communism and a shift towards capitalism in countries like China and India.
Shift Away from the 1990s
Post-2000, the U.S. has asserted its power, potentially leading to shared hegemony with China and Russia, both of which are not supportive of a global concert of nations.
The UN's Role in Shaping Consensus
- The UN's universality and broad mandate allow it to shape values and policy frameworks.
- Advances often come from coalitions of states and global NGOs.
The Future of Multilateralism
Despite political shifts, there is hope in cooperative responses among states, the growth of internationalist sentiment in the corporate sector, academia, and NGOs. The UN's role remains crucial for states under pressure from great powers.
Conclusion
While the future of multilateralism is uncertain, there is potential resilience against nationalist agendas. The personal views expressed are those of the author, a former UN official, not necessarily reflecting the opinion of Business Standard.