Global politics and the crisis of multilateralism

The very fabric of international cooperation appears to be tearing, evidenced by a resurgence of geopolitical tensions, a retreat into protectionist policies, the imposition of unilateral sanctions, a worrying trend of treaty withdrawals, and the alarming use of military and economic coercion.

The post-World War II multilateral system, meticulously crafted to promote collaboration among nations, expanded rapidly to address a vast spectrum of global concerns—from economic development and international security to global health, human rights, and environmental protection. This system, manifested in institutions like the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), as well as informal gatherings like the G7 and G20, now faces a profound challenge.