COVID-19 and Decline of Multilateralism

Abstract

Multilateralism and multilateral diplomacy have been the most desired vision for a peaceful and stable global system with capacity to deal with challenges and streamline the deviations as and when it comes on the way. As the system of multilateralism is devised and sustained by the by the nation’s desire to ensure and secure their national interests, its capacity to measure up to its aims is directly proportional to the level the great power relations and cooperation. The changes in the structure of international system must be reflected by the commensurate reforms in the multilateral institutions like United Nations Organizations. There is a growing concern about unilateral actions and withdrawal by powers in the recent years and the changing power landscape of the globe is not appropriately reflected in the existing multilateral institutions and mechanism. Such withdrawal syndrome led to the ultimate breakdown of the post-WWI system. Our current scenario is far from such alarming stage as multilateralism is still in consonance with most of the nations of the globe. The COVID-19 with its global spread has impacted heavily on the multilateral institutions as never before. But is its very transnational implications impacting on the global supply chain and economic process have been pushing the nations for multilateral and global cooperation to deal with such impending pandemic. The mini-lateralism and regional multilateralism has shown greater pandemic outreach diplomacy and cooperation but their effective functioning needs an inclusive global multilateral structure. India with its global aspiration must work as an emerging world leader to shape a robust multilateral world with its pandemic measures, outreach and diplomacy.