ABSTRACT
The end of the bipolar Cold War had heralded a new era for experiments in evolving multilateralism as a paradigm for the conduct of twenty-first century international relations. Meanwhile, the proponents of evolving multilateralism have also realized, over the years, that it remains a rather demanding format of international cooperation that presupposes a strong sense of collective identity, shared values and stakes in its structures, processes, objectives and outcomes. Conceptually too, multilateralism remains opposed not only to unilateralism but also to imperialism and isolationism as guiding principles of foreign policy. Instead, it privileges mutual trust, socialization, norm-building as embedded in multilateral institutions. As a result, while experts agree on the eclectic nature of the evolving twenty-first century multilateralism, they continue to differ in defining its features, role, as also its formulations. The debate continues to confront newer theoretical and practical models especially from the emerging new stakeholders in the international system. On the positive side, both as ideology and as strategy, experts often see multi-
lateralism as synonymous with the rise of emerging powers as also in tune with increasing democratization of international relations. Countries like China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Russia all seem to be flag-bearers of multilateralism except that (a) each of these may have their own version that often leans on multipolarism, and (b) in time of any confusion, bilateralism remains their instinctive fallback position. Indeed, it is this sustained multipolarism (power based framework) – juxtaposed with related trends of globalization and increasing democratization of international relations – that have greatly empowered the emerging powers’ vision of multilateralism (equity-based framework) as the dominant norm. Nevertheless, there still remains awide gulf between what each of them professes or preaches and their practices over space and time. Asia in particular seems ordained to transform the nature of the twenty-first century international system. Countries like China and India are beginning to be seen as influential voices in the region. All this in spite of the fact that for a very long time China was not even part of global mainstream multilateralism (read UN); and yet it today represents the core of much of Asian multilateralism. The US global war on terrorism that brings back focus on hard power has
once again put America’s credentials vis-a-vis multilateralism under the scanner.
But, while the current order may be seen as one of extended unilateral moment it seems all set to gradually give way to multilateralism. Also, with their inherent leanings towards soft power, dialogue, consensus, norms and institutions, emerging powers find the US increasingly in tune with multilateralism albeit with its own brand and visions. It is in the blending of these multiple versions that emerging powers like China and India face their challenge. It is in this context that this chapter tries to examine the whole range of theoretical debates on and the praxis of multilateralism and highlight the contribution of emerging Asian powers, especially China and India, to the evolving of a new architecture of multilateralism.
