Exploring the future of multilateralism and the role of the United States. The concept of 'co-opetition' in geopolitics. The complex dynamics of middle countries and proxy wars. The role of multilateral organizations in addressing global crises.
28:42
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Global cooperation needs to adapt to the transition from a unipolar world to a multipolar era, and establish common rules to ensure effective multilateralism.
The role of the United States is pivotal in shaping the future of multilateralism, and building coalitions and cooperation between major powers can revive and strengthen it.
Deep dives
Multilateralism under pressure
Multilateralism is facing challenges as the countries of the so-called Global South recognize the declining power of the United States and the lack of a new world superpower. The existing global institutions like the UN, IMF, and World Bank are seen as gridlocked or tilted towards the West, leading to the question of whether multilateralism is broken. However, global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and AI require collective action at a global level, necessitating the need for effective multilateralism.
The changing world order
The international system has moved from a unipolar world led by the United States to a messy era where no single nation can dominate. This transition has led to a decline in the effectiveness of multilateralism. In the past, agreements on climate change, global trade, and poverty reduction were reached, but the current era is marked by more competition, unpredictability, and polarized politics. While multipolarity can be positive, it needs to be accompanied by multilateralism and the establishment of common rules to avoid a beggar-thy-neighbor approach and ensure collaboration.
The role of America in multilateralism
The role of the United States is crucial in shaping the future of multilateralism. The Biden administration, which believes in multilateralism, faces challenges in delegating power to multilateral channels due to America's superpower status. However, a less multilateral-focused approach was observed during the first Trump presidency. The upcoming U.S. election will further determine America's stance. Building coalitions, regional trade agreements, sectoral agreements, and cooperation between major powers like the U.S. and China are potential ways to revive and strengthen multilateralism.
Global cooperation can often seem broken. On our final episode of Global Reboot, we look at how to reboot international relations for a multipolar era. Multilateral institutions seem increasingly ineffective, and even outdated, as emerging economies demand more of a role and countries form alliances and blocs outside of these institutions. In such a scenario, what can be done to improve cooperation to meet global challenges?
Borge Brende joins Global Reboot to discuss this and much more. Brende is the president of the World Economic Forum. He previously served as Norway’s minister of foreign affairs from 2013 to 2017.
Global Reboot is produced in partnership with the Doha Forum.