Multilateralisms
Multilateralisms refers to the practice, theory, and institutional framework of conducting international relations through multilateral processes, negotiations, and organizations. It emphasizes cooperation among three or more states or other actors to address common problems, typically within established international institutions or through formal treaties. Multilateralisms contrasts with unilateral action by a single state or bilateral diplomacy between two states. In practice, it encompasses diplomatic negotiation in global and regional forums, rule making, and collective decision making that seeks broadly accepted norms and obligations.
Key mechanisms include treaties and conventions, voting in international organizations, coordinated security arrangements, and coalition-based responses
Proponents argue that multilateralisms create legitimacy, reduce transaction costs in repeated bargaining, distribute burdens, and facilitate
In contemporary practice, multilateralisms is central to climate governance, global health, trade rules, and transnational security