The Return of Minilateralism: Going Big by Getting Small
- - April 20, 2023
![](https://mei.nus.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/twitter_6b8044d8e5f9abbad0b6e611ccc6400f.jpeg)
*Article Courtesy of the Syndication Bureau
By Nickolay E. Mladenov
Introduction
The global order has experienced notable shifts in the past century, and the conclusion of the Cold War ushered in a unipolar world. But the new millennium, and the emergence of multipolarity, has presented significant obstacles to collaboration. One response to these challenges has been the growing popularity of “minilateralism,” an international relations concept that involves small groups of nations collaborating to tackle problems or pursue mutual goals.
An Outdated IR Formula
During much of the 20th century, global diplomacy was largely shaped by a bipolar international system, in which the superpowers held sway over most of the world’s political and economic resources. Then in the early 1990s, the world shifted toward a unipolar system, with the United States assuming the role of the sole global leader.
The Return of Minilateralism
Minilateralism is not a new concept. From the Concert of Europe in the early 19th century to the Quad (Australia, India, Japan, and the US) today, minilateralism has been around for years. However, its prominence has increased at a time when major global powers are grappling with significant conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and the growing divide between the US and China.
Middle Powers’ Moment
No Silver Bullet
‘Innovative and Flexible Approach’
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