Multilateralism, the practice of coordinating policies among three or more states to address global challenges, lies at the heart of post–World War II international order. However, in recent years, the system has come under severe strain due to geopolitical fragmentation, institutional rigidity, and waning trust. The UN Secretary-General warned that the world faces “a crisis of multilateralism” amid widening global divides.
Significance of Multilateralism:
Ensuring global Peace and Security:
- Since 1948, UN peacekeeping missions have been deployed 71 times and currently involve 87,000 personnel across 12 conflict zones.
- It helped stabilize regions like Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Mozambique.
Boosted Economic Stability and Development:
- Institutions like the IMF and World Bank provide essential financial support during crises.
- For example, IMF lent USD 250 billion during the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, and over USD 200 billion to 35 nations in 2023 (including Egypt, Tunisia, Ukraine).
Pushing for Climate Action:
- The Paris Agreement (2015) under the UNFCCC united 196 parties toward limiting global warming below 2°C.
- The Montreal Protocol (1987) remains the only universally ratified treaty, successfully curbing ozone depletion.
Strengthening Rights:
- The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process has reviewed human rights in all 193 member states since 2008.
- The SDGs (2015–2030) have contributed to reducing extreme poverty from 36% (1990) to 8.4% (2019).
Current Crisis of Multilateralism:
Shifting Global Power Dynamics:
- The rise of China, India, and the Global South challenges the Western-led post-1945 order and the multilateral organisations created by them.
- BRICS now accounts for 37.3% of global GDP (2024) and has created parallel institutions like the AIIB, challenging institutions like World Bank and IMF.
Institutional Paralysis:
- The UN Security Council (UNSC) has failed to act on major crises such as Syria (300,000+ deaths) and Gaza (2024) due to repeated vetoes. Russia has used 19 vetoes since 2011, including 14 on Syria.
- The WTO Doha Round (2001–present) remains unresolved.
Sovereignty and Nationalism:
- Countries increasingly prioritize sovereignty over cooperation as seen in Brexit (2020) and America First policy of the U.S. These trends weaken commitment to collective global goals.
Declining Public Trust:
- The World Bank’s “Doing Business” scandal and lack of transparency has diluted the confidence on multilateral institutions.
- The UN’s regular budget of USD 3.12 billion is smaller than the revenue of many private corporations.
Representation Imbalances:
- The UNSC’s P5 structure reflects 1945 realities, excluding India, Brazil, Japan, and Africa.
- African nations hold less than 10% voting share in the IMF, limiting equitable decision-making.
Bureaucratic Lag:
- Traditional institutions lag in responding to issues like AI governance, cybersecurity, and cryptocurrency regulation.
- For example, no global treaty yet governs Artificial Intelligence ethics or digital misinformation.
India’s Role in Reforming Multilateralism:
- Bridging Global North and South: India’s efforts as seen in the G20 Presidency showcased inclusive leadership under “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” which is a good signal for multilateralism.
- Champion of Digital Democracy: India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (Aadhaar–UPI–DigiLocker) model demonstrates scalable, transparent technology for global governance.
- Climate and Development Leadership: Through the institutions like International Solar Alliance, India has shown willingness to push for sustainable energy cooperation.
- Peacekeeping Experience: India has contributed 200,000+ troops in 49 UN missions, including the first all-female contingent as an effort towards collective security.
- Global security: Initiatives such as India’s Vaccine Maitri supplied COVID-19 vaccines to 150+ countries, has emphasised on ensuring global health security.
Conclusion:
“Multilateralism must evolve from a club of states to a coalition of people.” India, with its democratic values, digital innovation, and development-centric diplomacy, can lead this transformation towards a reformed, inclusive, and future-ready multilateral order.
‘+1’ Value Addition:
- Africa’s IMF voting share is less than 10%, reflecting structural inequity in global financial institutions.
- Montreal Protocol (1987): Only universally ratified treaty, restored 99% of ozone layer by 2023 (UNEP).
- UNSC Veto Use: Russia (19 vetoes since 2011), U.S. (11), China (7) — leading to inaction on crucial issues like Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine.
- UN budget: USD 3.12 billion is smaller than annual revenue of tech companies like Adobe or Infosys.
- UNDP Human Development Report (2024): Notes that “fragmented multilateralism exacerbates inequality.”
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