Multilateralism in question

Multilateralism in question | Daily Tribune

Multilateralism, the idea of countries working together to achieve shared interests, has always been a hallmark of international relations.

Through time, despite various challenges in how states relate and collaborate with one another, its foundations have always proven that collective aspirations can be better realized through cooperation and enduring trust.

In recent years, however, the resurgence of longstanding global issues, transcending the halls of the public sector — religious intolerance, ever-growing economic and digital divide, and democratic backsliding among others — have further enfeebled the already questioned global system.

With the rise of a more domestic-oriented America, hailed since the fall of the Berlin Wall as the champion of democratic norms and institutions, and the gaining popularity of more nation-centric and transactional ways of furthering ties, so is the challenge to multilateralism.

There are even scholars who would argue that multipolarity, and how regional bodies today are gaining more vitality, show how the notion we have been convinced of since time immemorial is proven to be weak.

Such assertions, however, cannot encapsulate the power of the multilateral order, nor its capacity to ascertain global peace and order.

This is because the global system might have morphed into a different nature, yet its very cornerstone is still aligned with how multilateralism works.

The very fact that even the most developed nations continue to engage with like-minded nations, who in a way or another are essential toward their development, is a concrete testament to this truth.

Hence, what we witness today is not a total world order revamp, but simply an evolution of the time-honored character of multilateralism.

After all, international relations, in general, has evolved through time.

From closed-door meetings graced by the most powerful countries, to becoming more open to developing and less-developed ones, and now heeding the calls made by international organizations, transnational companies, and even civil society.

With multilateralism said to be in peril today, the Global South is taking the helm of global discussions to resolve our shared challenges.

After all, it is their respective jurisdictions that are heavily affected by these perennial issues.

Climate change and difficulties in the green transition are among these seemingly never-ending roster.

Despite this, however, they never cease to believe in the power of working together. The Philippines is an example of this. That despite being dubbed to be a closer ally to one of the superpowers today, remains open to furthering its ties with like-minded nations.

This is how multilateralism today works: never ceasing to collaborate with countries on areas of common interests, despite diverse perceptions.

There is no doubt that with the recent events unfurling within the global village, the influence of the multilateral system will continue to be challenged.

Predictions of when it will falter will not cease. However, at the end of the day, we also need to confront this single truth: it remains consistent in its promise to promote inclusivity and ensure that no one is left behind in the process.

The author is a faculty member of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance. He also serves as the Practicum Coordinator of its Diplomacy and International Affairs Program. As someone who specialized in the European Union and Asean for his further studies at the Ateneo de Manila University, his research interests include Regionalism, Discourse on Collective identities, and Efforts on AI in regional blocs.