What is multilateralism?

In an increasingly globalised world, governments must find ways to cooperate and make joint decisions.Bilateral relationships are often established between states with common interests, but over the last century the need for regulatory bodies to manage international collaboration has become more apparent.

The term multilateralism emerged after World War II, although intergovernmental bodies such as the League of Nations existed even before that. It was a decisive approach to maintaining peace and promoting cooperation between states. For this reason, it is one of the key subjects within Universidad Europea’s Global Bachelor in International Relations. If you want to know more about multilateral relations, read on.

Multilateralism in international relations

Multilateralism refers to relations between different countries, at least three. Normally, these are relationships in which all participants benefit in one way or another. Cooperation between governments may be for political and economic purposes or in other areas, such as sports or culture.

This form of collaboration has evolved over time and has adapted to the social and economic conditions of each historical moment. Over the decades, multilateralism has marked global progress, and various structured multilateral organisations have emerged. The largest and best known is the United Nations (UN), with 193 member states. In its Assembly, problems affecting the international community are discussed, and agreements are reached such as the 2030 Agenda, with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Importance of multilateralism: main applications

The following are some of the most important aspects of its application.

• Solutions to global problems: through multilateralism, nations can pool resources and knowledge to achieve solutions related to terrorism, pandemics or climate change, among others.
• Strengthening international law: by entering into cooperation and agreements, countries guarantee their interests within the international legal framework.
• Promote security and peace: through multilateral efforts, international sanctions can be applied, peace missions can be carried out and dialogues can be established to mitigate possible major conflicts.

Social and economic development: financial cooperation promotes global economic growth and trade, favouring balanced growth and reducing inequalities.

Examples of multilateral organisations

Although, as we have said, the UN is the most important and representative example, there are many other multilateral organisations with great weight in global politics. Some of them are the following:

• International Monetary Fund (IMF): this body works to improve the economy of its member countries and promote international trade.
• World Trade Organization (WTO): this is the organisation that defines the rules governing trade between countries.
• World Health Organization (WHO): this institution is responsible for managing global health prevention and promotion policies, as well as defining intervention measures.
• International Labor Organization (ILO): this organisation, which arose as a result of the workers' revolutions of the early 20th century, works to improve global labour relations and promote workers' rights.

Differences between multilateralism, bilateralism and unilateralism

As different or opposite methods of cooperation to multilateralism, there are bilateral agreements and unilateralism.

• Bilateralism. In politics, the term “bilateral” is used for negotiations and agreements that take place exclusively between two parties, which in this case would be two states. These agreements are mostly concluded to regulate certain legal issues in foreign trade, such as regional trade agreements or preferential agreements. The latter define the preferential treatment that can be given by one country to another (e.g. elimination or reduction of tariffs), usually from a more developed country to a less developed one.
• Unilateralism. The antithesis of multilateralism in politics would be a state that looks and acts in its own interests and does not take into account the rest of the states. Many of a country's political decisions are unilateral, but most governments are subject to internationally agreed measures. For example, many economic measures implemented in the countries of the European Union are influenced by decisions taken jointly in the European Parliament.

Advantages and disadvantages of multilateralism

International cooperation offers numerous advantages for states, but it also has a number of disadvantages. This is one of the reasons why not all countries adhere to all multilateral organisations. In some cases, this is due to a lack of interest and, in others, the necessary requirements for membership are not met.

On the one hand, a strengthening of bilateral relations can promote trade and investment and facilitate access to other markets and bring economic benefits to both countries. Unilateralism, on the other hand, allows countries to pursue their foreign policy objectives independently. In this way, they can act quickly without having to compromise with others.

Also, at a time when unilateralism is on the rise and there is significant rivalry among the major powers, multilateral organisations are an effective means of managing complex global relations for the benefit of all. Through cooperation and diplomacy, global stability can be fostered.

In such a complex political landscape, the career opportunities in international relations are broad. Fortunately, Universidad Europea offers several different international relations degrees, from which you can choose the one you like best, such as the Double Degree in International Business and International Relations, the degree in International Relations or the Global Bachelor's Degree in International Relations in Valencia.