ABSTRACT
Multilateralism today is facing unprecedented challenges, which the people can overcome only by working together. Admittedly, over the past two decades, the international community has incrementally cooperated in the face of some crises, including transnational terrorism and climate change. The pull of populism in domestic politics compels leaders – especially in democracies – to take intransigent positions that make multilateral negotiations almost impossible. For any people in the world to thrive, prosper and flourish, predictability and inclusivity in the international order are critical. Finally, multilateralism needs to move out of the confines of the diplomatic lexicon and the negotiating rooms of international organisations. Civil society worldwide needs to embrace and promote it as the most legitimate way for nation-states to negotiate and work together. It is time multilateral processes were simplified—allowing for easier accession to multilateral treaties.
