Multilateralism and multilateral governance are the focus of this portion of our web guide.
Multilateralism refers to the process of organizing relations between groups of three or more states. It involves cooperation and interaction among multiple nations to address common challenges or to achieve shared goals. The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are examples of multilateralism.
Multilateral governance extends beyond states to include international organizations, non-state actors, and civil society. It refers to the management and coordination of global affairs through collaborative mechanisms. The United Nations (UN) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are examples of multilateral governance.
As compared to multilateralism, multilateral governance emphasizes broader participation and inclusivity. While multilateralism primarily involves states, multilateral governance expands the scope to include diverse stakeholders.
Some of the qualitative principles of multilateralism include the indivisibility of interests, diffuse reciprocity, and dispute settlement mechanisms. Participants recognize that their interests are interconnected, and cooperation is based on mutual benefit rather than one-sided gains, although there has to be a mechanism in place to enforce desired behavior.
For the sake of reference, bilateralism is a system in which two states negotiate specific agreements directly. Two-country trade agreements are examples of bilateralism. For example, India and Nepal have enjoyed a bilateral relationship since ancient times, and written agreements have confirmed this traditional relationship.
Unilateralism refers to any doctrine or agenda that supports one-sided actions, often taken by a single nation without regard for other parties. For example, a nation might choose to disarm unilaterally, hoping that others will follow suit.
World governance, on the other hand, refers to a single, centralized authority that governs the entire planet. It would have the power to make and enforce laws, regulate international relations, and manage global affairs.
Although it could be argued that multilateralism and multilateral governance could potentially be steps toward world governance, that isn't necessarily the goal or the reality. This category covers multilateralism and multilateral governance.
Unlike a world government, multilateralism respects national sovereignty. Thus, multilateral negotiations are more complex, as they include diverse interests and differing priorities.
In summary, multilateralism refers to the process of organizing relations between groups of three or more states. It involves qualitative principles such as the indivisibility of interests, diffuse reciprocity, and dispute settlement mechanisms. Multilateral agreements emerged significantly following World War II.
Multilateral governance operates through international institutions, treaties, and laws. It binds powerful nations, discourages unilateralism, and gives smaller powers a voice. The goal is to address global challenges, such as terrorism or pandemics, through shared responsibility and burden-sharing.
Topics related to multilateralism and multilateral governance are appropriate for this category.
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Recommended Resources
Stylized AfricaRice, and formerly known as the West Africa Rice Development Association, the pan-African intergovernmental association, is currently registered in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The agricultural research center was constituted in 1971 by eleven West African countries and had grown to twenty-eight African member states by 2023. Members, donors, partners, and senior staff are recognized, and information about its policies, impact, and resources are included.
https://www.africarice.org/
Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission
Originally known as the Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council, the APFIC works to improve understanding, awareness, and cooperation in fisheries issues in the Asia-Pacific region. The APFIC Secretariat is hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand. Its rules of procedure, commission, executive committee, other committees, and membership are featured, along with meeting reports, technical reports, and publications.
https://www.fao.org/apfic/en/
Association of Southeast Asian Nations
ASEAN is a political and economic union of ten states in Southeast Asia. Its primary objectives are to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region and promote regional peace and stability through respect for justice and the rule of law. The site features member states, its charter, councils, external partners, sectoral ministerial bodies, centers, international and regional organizations, and facilities, as well as events and contacts.
https://asean.org/
Centro Internactional de la Papa
Known in English as the International Potato Center, the CIP is a research facility in Lima, Peru, that seeks to reduce poverty and improve food security in developing nations through scientific research and related activities on potatoes, sweet potatoes, and other root and tuber crops. Established by the Peruvian government in 1971, the CIP has partnered with several other countries on various projects around the world. Its areas of activity, research, and resources are set forth.
https://cipotato.org/
As part of the executive of the European Union, the EC operates as a cabinet government divided into departments known as Directorates-General that can be compared to departments or ministries, each headed by a Director-General who is responsible to a Commissioner. There is one member per member state, but members are bound to represent the general interest of the EU as a whole rather than their home state. Events and publications are featured, along with contacts.
https://commission.europa.eu/
Great Lakes Fishery Commission
The GLFC is a binational commission made up of representatives from the United States and Canada. Formed in 1954, it has eight members: four appointed by the President of the United States and four by the Privy Council of Canada. Topics on its website include fishery management, the Sea Lamprey, fish habitat, invasive species, science, and research. Various documents and multimedia are set forth. Joint strategic plan committees, task forces, and advisors are introduced.
https://www.glfc.org/
International Court of Justice
Also known as the World Court, the ICJ is the only international court that adjudicates general disputes between nations and gives advisory opinions on international legal issues. It is one of the six organs of the United Nations and is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands. This section introduces the history of the court, how it works, and court members, along with the organizational chart of the Registry, current cases, basic documents, jurisdiction, and publications.
https://icj-cij.org/
International Food Policy Research Institute
Created in 1975, the IFPRI is an international agricultural research center charged with improving the understanding of national agricultural and food policies to promote the adoption of innovations in agricultural technology. The organization disseminates hundreds of publications, bulletins, conferences, and other initiatives and operates in over fifty countries, with offices in several developing nations. It features research reports, publications, and tools.
https://www.ifpri.org/
International Livestock Research Institute
The ILRI is an international non-profit, non-governmental agricultural research institute within the CGIAR (Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research). It was established in 1994 through the merger of the International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases in Nairobi, Kenya, and the International Livestock Centre for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The institute's areas of activity, research, and events, along with membership information and contacts, are set forth.
https://www.ilri.org/
International Maritime Organization
The IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating maritime transport. It was established by agreement at a United Nations conference in Geneva in 1948 and officially organized ten years later. Headquartered in London, the IMO had 176 member states and three associate members as of 2024. Its history, structure, membership, associated bodies, partnerships, and publications are featured, along with several informational texts, and contacts.
https://www.imo.org/
International Organization for Migration
Established in 1951, and part of the United Nations system, with a presence in 175 member states, IOM is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners, IOM's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. The IOM implements operational assistance programs for migrants, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and migrant workers.
https://www.iom.int/
National Council on US-Arab Relations
NCUSAR is a non-profit organization that supports American education about the Arab world. Founded in 1983, NCUSAR works with students and the public to increase knowledge and understanding of the Arab world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the organization convenes seminars with specialists in the field of US-Arab relations on topics related to politics, the economy, and humanitarian aid. Its programs, publications, donor opportunities, and contacts are noted.
https://ncusar.org/
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Also known as the North Atlantic Alliance, NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance of 32 member states, signed in Washington, DC, on April 4, 1949. Serving as a collective security system, independent member states agree to defend one another against attacks by third parties. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, NATO was formed with 12 founding members, has added new members 10 times, and currently has three aspiring members. Its members, operations, and missions are outlined.
https://www.nato.int/
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
The OSCE is a regional and security-oriented intergovernmental organization comprising member states in Europe, North America, and Asia. Its mandate includes issues like gun control, the promotion of human rights, freedom of the press, and free and fair elections. Created in 1975, most of its 57 participating countries are in Europe, but with some members in Asia and North America. Its members, partnerships, networks, events, and contacts are set forth.
https://www.osce.org/
Sistema de Información Sobre Comercio Exterior
The SICE is an initiative of the Organization of American States (OAS) that is charged with providing trade-related information to governments and small and medium-sized enterprises. SICE disseminates information about multilateral agreements, customs unions, free trade agreements, and preferential trade agreements, with details on the trade policies of each OAS member state. SICE provides updates on trade policy developments, negotiations, and other trade news.
http://www.sice.oas.org/
