ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines major differences between the “old” model of multilateralism practiced in the 20th century and the “new” model that should reflect realities of the 21st century. There are four phenomena considered. First, contemporary state leaders have to advance multilateralism without a benign hegemon to shoulder their efforts. Second, diplomats and experts have to ascertain how to apply multilateral models in an environment of weak international institutions and declining hierarchies. Third, multilateralism should not imply communality of values as a precondition. Fourth, multilateralism has to be inclusive; it is no longer only about relations between states and must embrace the business sector, civil society and other players. For multilateral practices to survive, they will need to emerge as ad hoc multilateralism or project-based multilateralism. This model has many shortcomings, including being situational, inconsistent and fragile. Big powers like the United States, China or Russia are not likely to generate a new model of multilateralism: they are used to asymmetrical interdependence and their comparative advantages of the bilateral relations. Small and mid-size countries, which have already accumulated a lot of experience in various formats of multilateralism, are in a better position to pioneer the new multilateral model.
