Multilateralism

Definition

Multilateralism is the practice of coordinating national policies among three or more states through international institutions, norms, and agreements. It stands in contrast to unilateralism (acting alone) and bilateralism (dealing with issues between two parties). The United Nations, World Trade Organization, NATO, and the European Union are key multilateral frameworks. Multilateralism promotes collective action on global challenges like climate change, arms control, and pandemic response. Critics argue it can be slow, lowest-common-denominator decision-making, while proponents contend it provides legitimacy and burden-sharing. The tension between multilateralism and nationalist sovereignty is a defining feature of contemporary geopolitics.