Multilateralism is on the decline, facing challenges from its own principles, including indivisibility and diffuse reciprocity. Foundations that once contributed to the success of multilateralism have now struggled in such a volatile world today. This gradually erodes trust among member states, undermining the sustainability of collaborative frameworks in the long run.
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To begin with, the principle of indivisibility, which defines the interests of nations as intertwined, is a factor contributing to the erosion of multilateralism. Although it can promote solidarity and prosperity, one major flaw in this foundation is that it overlooks disparities in states' capacities to contribute while treating the benefits of cooperation as equally shared. This often results in a burden-sharing imbalance, where states with greater resources are expected to contribute more, even though all members receive the same collective benefits. Over time, this perception gradually weakens the willingness of key actors to uphold their commitments, threatening the efficacy of multilateral arrangements.
Besides, diffuse reciprocity has long been a solid foundation for multilateralism, grounded on trust and a long-term vision among nations. As seen in the Greek debt crisis, EU members provided this nation with financial assistance, hoping that stabilizing one economy would ultimately balance that of the region. However, in a world marked by immediate, high-stakes crises, multilateralism often struggles to make timely and tangible decisions.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, despite global commitments to equitable vaccine distribution in initiatives such as COVAX, nations with greater resources hoarded vaccine supplies as a measure to protect their citizens first. Such high-stakes threats have forced states to shift their focus towards immediate survival instead of long-term contributions. Reciprocity, in theory, promotes cooperation, but when urgency calls, self-protection appears to answer first.
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Moreover, multilateral cooperation is increasingly undermined by the asymmetry of influence among states, giving major powers the ability to interpret and apply multilateral rulings to their advantage. While all the states pursue their own interests, those with greater influence have more flexibility in how they engage with multilateral rulings. States with less influence, therefore, tend to have fewer options to push back against selective adherence from major powers.
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A case in point is the WTO dispute settlement system, when major powers such as the United States have, at times, deferred adherence to multilateral norms. These situations weaken the credibility of multilateral legislation, engendering inequality and undermining trust in international frameworks.
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All in all, the gradual downfall of multilateral institutions leaves the global community at a crossroads. Can multilateral cooperation be strengthened, or will nations face a future defined by fragmentation? Undoubtedly, the answer lies in our actions, and the decisions made today will determine how effectively humanity can navigate the crises of tomorrow.
(Posted in June 2025)​
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AUTHORS
Le Nguyen Bao Anh, Faculty of International Politics and Diplomacy, 51st cohort, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.
Phan Ngoc Quynh, Faculty of International Politics and Diplomacy, 51st cohort, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.
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GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Nguyen Khanh Linh, Faculty of International Communication and Culture, 50th cohort, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.
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REFERENCES
[1] Scott, J. (n.d.). Multilateralism. In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved March 8, 2025, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/multilateralism
[2] Goldberg, P. K. (2024, March 19). Why have developing countries soured on multilateralism? Project Syndicate. https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/multilateralism-wto-in-crisis-when-developing-countries-dont-see-the-benefits-by-pinelopi-koujianou-goldberg-2024-03
[3] Friends of the Earth International. (2024, September 15). The failure of the current multilateral system. https://www.foei.org/the-failure-of-the-current-multilateral-system/
[4] European Commission. (2015). Financial assistance to Greece. Economic and Financial Affairs. https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/economic-and-fiscal-policy-coordination/financial-assistance-eu/which-eu-countries-have-received-assistance/financial-assistance-greece_en
[5] World Health Organization. (2021, June 13). Global leaders commit further support for global equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and COVAX. https://www.who.int/news/item/13-06-2021-global-leaders-commit-further-support-for-global-equitable-access-to-covid-19-vaccines-and-covax
[6] Nebehay, S. (2021, January 8). WHO warns against vaccine hoarding as poorer countries go without. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-who-idUSKBN29D2AK
[7] Blenkinsop, P. (2023, November 6). Exclusive: US pauses financial contributions to WTO, trade sources say. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-pauses-financial-contributions-wto-trade-sources-say-2023-11-06/