Rise of Minilateralism & Opportunities for India

Table of contents

Multilateralism, marked by broad-based cooperation through institutions like the UN, WTO, and WHO, has long anchored global governance. However, rising inefficiencies, institutional deadlocks, and power imbalances have weakened its effectiveness.
This has led to minilateralism, small, interest-based coalitions of like-minded countries focused on specific, actionable goals. As EAM S. Jaishankar aptly noted: “Smaller groups of nations that are effective and focused may be better suited to today’s fragmented world.”

Understanding Multilateralism and Minilateralism

Multilateralism

A formal, rules-based cooperation among three or more countries, often under the framework of global institutions. It promotes universal norms, inclusivity, and consensus-based decision-making on international issues.
Example: United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, Paris Climate Agreement & North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Minilateralism

A flexible, informal, and issue-specific cooperation among a limited number of states based on shared interests, strategic priorities, or capabilities, aiming for quick, effective, and focused outcomes.
Example: QUAD (India, US, Japan, Australia), AUKUS (Australia, UK, US), International Solar Alliance (ISA), I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, USA).

Key Challenges to Traditional Multilateralism

Erosion of Trust and Institutional Gridlock: Increasing unilateralism and blocked reforms weaken multilateral institutions. E.g. U.S. blocking WTO Appellate Body appointments.
Geopolitical Rivalries and Polarisation: Conflicting interests and bloc politics obstruct global consensus. E.g. Russia vetoing UNSC resolutions; U.S.-China friction in UN bodies.
Global South Marginalisation: Inadequate representation reduces the legitimacy of global platforms. E.g. India and the African Union’s demand for UNSC reform.
Ineffective Crisis Response: Delayed and unequal responses to transnational crises expose systemic weaknesses. E.g. Unequal vaccine access during COVID-19.
Funding and Operational Constraints: Resource limitations impact institutional efficiency. E.g. WHO’s over-dependence on voluntary contributions.

Reasons for the Rise of Minilateralism

Quick Decision-Making and Flexibility: Smaller coalitions can act swiftly and adapt to changing global dynamics. E.g. Quad’s rapid response to Indo-Pacific security.
Issue-Based Cooperation and Pragmatic Focus: Minilateralism allows countries to focus on specific challenges with measurable outcomes. E.g., AUKUS is concerned with defence and technology, and I2U2 is concerned with food security and clean energy.
Bypassing Multilateral Gridlock: Minilateral frameworks avoid the delays and deadlocks of larger institutions, enabling faster resolutions. E.g. USMCA concluded faster than WTO trade reforms.
Strategic, Regional, & Geopolitical Alignment: Countries can coordinate effectively on regional security, economic issues, and global governance through shared interests, such as the Quad’s collaboration on maritime security.
Complementary to Multilateralism: Minilateral initiatives test broader multilateral agreements, enabling scalability. E.g., G20 influences the Paris Climate Agreement.

Minilateralism for India

Challenges of Minilateralism for India	Opportunities of Minilateralism for India
Disruption of Global Unity: Narrow, issue-based coalitions may weaken inclusive multilateral bodies such as the UN and WTO.	Enhanced Strategic Positioning: Coalitions such as the Quad strengthen India’s position in Indo-Pacific security.
Risk of Strategic Isolation: Exclusion from key groups, such as AUKUS, limits India’s global influence.	Leadership in Niche Areas: India spearheads global initiatives in sectors such as solar energy through ISA.
Tension in Foreign Relations: Aligning with one bloc may strain relations with others (e.g., U.S.-Russia dynamics).	Agile and Focused Cooperation: Smaller groups facilitate quicker, issue-specific collaboration.
Reduced Voice in Global Norm-Setting: India may be sidelined in shaping the rules established by exclusive groupings.	Platform for Strategic Autonomy: India can engage selectively while upholding non-alignment.
Diplomatic Overstretch: Overlapping alliances complicate foreign policy and stretch diplomatic resources.	Bridge Between Global North and South: India can mediate and represent the interests of developing nations.

Limitations of Minilateralism

Lack of Inclusivity: Minilateral groups often exclude smaller or less powerful nations, sidelining the voices of the Global South.
Fragmentation of Global Governance: Overlapping minilaterals can cause policy incoherence & weaken multilateral institutions. Digital frameworks from different blocs may conflict with UN efforts.
Weak Enforcement Mechanisms: Minilateral agreements are often informal and voluntary, lacking vigorous enforcement or dispute resolution mechanisms.
Short-Term Strategic Focus: Groupings often form around immediate geopolitical or economic interests, potentially neglecting long-term global public goods. For example, security-centric alliances like AUKUS may overlook development or climate justice.
Risk of Geopolitical Polarisation: Minilateralism can reinforce bloc politics, intensifying rivalry and eroding trust in the global system. Counter-blocs in response to the Quad or AUKUS may deepen divides.

Need for Co-existence of Minilateralism and Multilateralism

Complementary Roles: Minilateralism provides speed, flexibility, and issue-based cooperation, while multilateralism guarantees legitimacy, inclusiveness, and global norm-setting.
Bridging Institutional Gaps: Where multilateral frameworks stall (E.g., WTO deadlock), minilateral groups can serve as experimental platforms or interim solutions.
Scalable Solutions: Successful minilateral initiatives can expand into broader multilateral agreements (E.g., GATT evolved into WTO).
Global Problems Require Broad Consensus: Climate change, pandemics, and cybercrime require inclusive multilateral frameworks for sustainable, long-term solutions.
Avoiding Fragmentation: Exclusive reliance on minilateralism can foster geopolitical blocs, undermining global cooperation.

In a multipolar world, both multilateralism and minilateralism have complementary roles. While multilateralism ensures inclusivity and long-term stability, minilateralism offers agility and responsiveness to emerging global challenges. India’s balance of these approaches is crucial for addressing global issues while maintaining its strategic autonomy and leadership in key initiatives.

Reference: The Economic Times

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 156

Q. “The declining relevance of multilateral institutions has given rise to issue-based minilateralism.” In this context, examine the challenges and opportunities it presents for India in its pursuit of strategic autonomy and global leadership. (250 Words) (15 Marks)

Approach

Introduction: Write briefly about the decline of multilateral institutions and minilateralism.
Body: Discuss the challenges and opportunities of Minilateralism for India and give examples.
Conclusion: Provide a summary that outlines India’s future role on the global stage.