PSIR Simplified

Context

A new initiative to strengthen multilateralism—briefly known as the ‘P4M’ initiative—was launched in New York during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. India is also a participant in this initiative. Against this backdrop, the concept of multilateralism has once again come into focus. This post examines multilateralism, its contemporary challenges, and the P4M initiative.

What is Multilateralism?

Fundamentally, multilateralism is a geometric term referring to a shape with multiple angles. It was later adopted into the realm of international politics. Simply put, multilateralism is an approach and practice in international relations wherein more than three countries collaborate based on shared rules or norms to address global issues.

In contrast, there is the concept of unilateralism, where a single country determines the course of global conduct on its own terms. When two countries collaborate in this manner, it is termed bilateralism.

Currently, the United Nations is the primary institution based on the concept of multilateralism. However, the UN is not the first organization founded on this principle. In fact, two multilateral bodies—the International Telecommunication Union (established in 1865) and the International Labour Organization (established in 1919)—predated it. The League of Nations, established in 1920, was also based on the principle of multilateralism.

Key Characteristics of Multilateralism

The key characteristics of the concept of multilateralism in international politics are as follows:

1. All countries are equal, and all have opportunities for equal participation in the global order.

2. Multilateralism is based  on the notion of “diffused reciprocity.” This implies that nations look forward to long-term, shared benefits rather than focusing on immediate transactions and gains.

3. Multilateralism involves a process of working together to address the collective interests of nations.

4. The United Nations identifies the “Three Cs” as the fundamental elements of multilateralism: Cooperation, Compromise, and Coordination.

Contemporary Threats to Multilateralism

1.The rising trend of unilateralism—for example, the unilateral policies of US President Trump.

2.The sentiment of neo-nationalism—strengthening neo-nationalist sentiments in European countries (such as Germany and Ireland) as well as in Turkey.

3. Rising protectionism in trade—the US and other nations are resorting to protectionist policies to serve their trade interests.

4.The weakening of the rule-based order of the UN and global institutions, rendering them incapable of resolving issues such as the Ukraine war and conflicts in Gaza and Iran.

Efforts to Strengthen Multilateralism

1. ‘Pact for the Future’, 2024

In 2020, UN member states requested Secretary-General Guterres to prepare a vision document for reforming and strengthening multilateralism. The Secretary-General prepared a vision document titled ‘Our Common Agenda.’ Based on this document, the ‘Summit of the Future’ was held in September 2024, where the resolution known as the ‘Pact for the Future’ was adopted. This proposal incorporates measures to strengthen the United Nations and multilateralism. It is currently being implemented.

• New Initiative named P4M, 2026

In September 2026, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, the European Union, Brazil, Canada, and Kenya launched a new initiative named P4M to strengthen multilateralism within the United Nations framework; its full name is ‘Partnership for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace, and Prosperity’. A P4M summit was held on September 21, 2026, in which India participated as a co-sponsor. Apart from these nations, Australia and Barbados also participated in this initiative.

Objectives of the P4M Initiative:

1. To strengthen the multilateralism embodied in the United Nations.

2. To counter the growing polarization among major powers such as the US, Russia, and China.

3.To strive for reforms within the United Nations to make the global order more inclusive and transparent.

A key feature of the P4M initiative is that it brings together Europe and two BRICS nations—India and Brazil—to strengthen multilateralism. This concept was proposed by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in January 2026, calling for the strengthening of multilateralism through enhanced cooperation among middle powers. Consequently, major powers will not be included in this initiative in the future either. Strengthening multilateralism is the only way to reinforce the United Nations and the rules-based global order.

Image Courtesy: Kathmandu Post