Evolution of multilateralism and its challenges

• The UN observes International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace on April 24. 

• It aims to disseminate the advantages of multilateralism and diplomacy for peace, including through educational and public awareness-raising activities. 

What is multilateralism?

• Multilateralism is often defined in opposition to bilateralism and unilateralism. Strictly speaking, it indicates a form of cooperation between at least three States.

• Originally, “multilateral” was a geometry term meaning “many-sided”.

• Now, it describes international politics and diplomacy, where many countries with different views and goals work together.

• It implies that the actors have a shared realisation that it is in their interests to work together to resolve problems that are bigger than their individual efforts could tackle.

• It involves adherence to a common political project based on the respect of a shared system of norms and values. 

• In particular, multilateralism is based on founding principles such as consultation, inclusion and solidarity. 

• Its operation is determined by collectively developed rules that ensure sustainable and effective cooperation. 

• In particular, they guarantee all actors the same rights and obligations by applying themselves continuously (and not on a case-by-case basis, depending on the issue handled).

• It helps nations to confront complex global challenges through a universal approach.

• Multilateralism is therefore both a method of cooperation and a form of organisation of the international system.

• In international affairs, countries work together (cooperation), make deals (compromise) and organise their efforts (coordination) to solve problems that one country alone couldn't handle.

• These three ‘Cs’ help build trust and settle disputes peacefully.

• In today’s interconnected world, the values of multilateralism and diplomacy are more crucial than ever.

Evolution of multilateralism

• Multilateral cooperation has deep historical roots, stretching back to the earliest foundations of organised societies. 

• The modern form of multilateralism began to take shape with the Westphalian treaties of 1648, which brought to an end the Eighty Years’ War between Spain and the Dutch and the German phase of the Thirty Years’ War. 

• The peace agreements signed in the German cities of Munster and Osnabruck are widely regarded as the origin of the modern international state system.

• In the 19th century, multilateralism evolved through various stages, reflecting the growing complexity of international relations. 

• The early 20th century saw the formal emergence of multilateralism as nations, scarred by the devastation of war, sought to avoid further conflict. 

• The League of Nations, founded in 1920 after World War I, was the first significant attempt to institutionalise this cooperation. While it failed to prevent the outbreak of World War II, the League set the stage for future efforts.

• The creation of the United Nations in 1945 marked a new chapter in multilateralism, born from the ashes of World War II with the goal of fostering peace, security, and development. 

• Established with 51 original members, the UN became a platform for collective action on global issues, from peacekeeping to human rights.

• The United Nations system is the principal multilateral forum where countries come together to solve global problems. They hold conferences, summits and meetings to address important issues.

• Over time, the multilateral system expanded, encompassing specialised agencies, regional organisations, and international agreements, reflecting the collective will to address the shared challenges of an interconnected world.

• Multilateralism has achieved tangible results that have led to major advances, such as for example the eradication of smallpox in the health sector. 

• Important international agreements have also been concluded to limit arms control and to promote and strengthen human rights. 

Key aspects of multilateralism include:

i) Collective problem-solving: Multilateralism recognises that many global challenges cannot be effectively addressed by individual nations acting alone.

ii) Equality and inclusivity: The multilateral approach values the participation of all nations, regardless of their size or power, in international decision-making processes.

iii) Shared responsibility: Multilateralism promotes the idea that all countries have a role to play in addressing global issues.

iv) Rule-based international order: The philosophy emphasizes the importance of adhering to international laws and norms to maintain stability and fairness in global relations.

v) Sustainable development: Multilateralism is closely tied to the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognising the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental issues.

vi) Dialogue and diplomacy: The multilateral approach prioritizes peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and negotiation rather than unilateral action or force.

vii) Leave no one behind: This principle, emphasized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, underscores the commitment to inclusive progress and development for all.

Multilateral cooperation in practice

Over the past decades, multilateralism has made remarkable progress in addressing global challenges. 

Through the United Nations as a platform for international cooperation and dialogue, nations have collectively adopted global goals, negotiated international laws, treaties, and agreements, and set ambitious targets for shared progress.

i) Advancing human rights

The UN has played a central role in the adoption of some 80 human rights treaties and declarations. Much of this body of law was inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted in 1948. These treaties and declarations protect civil, political, economic, and social and cultural rights. This includes, for example, the freedom from any form of discrimination and the freedom of expression.

ii) Arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation

Global disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation are central in preventing conflict and in building and sustaining peace. Since its foundation, the UN has been helping countries in the process of reducing and eventually eliminating weapons, including nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, as well as halting the proliferation of landmines, small arms and light weapons. 

iii) Multilateral trade and economic development

Multilateral trade operates on the principle that each country seeks to achieve a balanced exchange with the entire trading system rather than with individual nations. The modern multilateral trading system not only fosters economic opportunities but also plays a vital role in maintaining peace. As one of its core mandates, and through its funds, programmes and specialised agencies, the UN is committed to both ultimately widening the global trading area and promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for everyone.

iv) Humanitarian assistance

Multilateral humanitarian operations assist the victims of natural disasters and man-made emergencies. Multilateral cooperation in the humanitarian field is multifaceted and can take different forms, from providing material and technical assistance or elaborating on policies to mobilising funds, food, health assistance and logistics.

v) Vaccines for all, wellness for everyone

The eradication of smallpox and vaccine access for vulnerable communities exemplify multilateral cooperation. Organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Global Vaccine Alliance (GAVI) facilitate development and equitable vaccine distribution worldwide.

vi) Clean water, better lives

Multilateral initiatives like WHO-supported national plans and UNICEF programmes have halved the global population without safe drinking water (1990-2015), benefiting millions.

vii) Repairing the ozone layer, saving the planet

The successful Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol phased out ozone-depleting CFCs, showing how global cooperation can resolve environmental challenges.

viii) Protecting ideas, fueling innovation

The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) streamlines patent protection across more than 150 countries, safeguarding inventions and advancing global innovation.

Key challenges confronting the multilateral system include:

i) Deepening distrust in the multilateral system: Long standing bilateral and multilateral frameworks that once helped manage tensions and uphold stability are breaking down. Breaches of international law, human rights standards, and the UN Charter are increasing, often without repercussions. Trust is diminishing both between nations and within regions. Together, these factors, and others, are intensifying conflicts around the world.

ii) Political paralysis within the UN Security Council: The veto power held by the five permanent members often blocks action, undermining the UN’s ability to respond effectively to conflicts and global crises. The president of the UN General Assembly recently warned that repeated Security Council vetoes have caused severe paralysis, undermining global trust in the UN. 

iii) Rising nationalism and unilateralism: Increasing nationalist ideologies and unilateral approaches in various nations are posing challenges to multilateralism. These trends could weaken global governance, hindering collective efforts to address pressing issues like climate change, trade, and security.

iv) Complex global issues: The world is confronting increasingly interconnected challenges — including conflict, climate change, economic instability, and technological disruptions — all of which require coordinated and effective global responses.

v) Resource constraints: Many multilateral organisations face funding shortages, limiting their ability to effectively address global issues.