Executive Summary

The crisis of multilateralism was present in the system long before Donald Trump rise to power. It has deep structural roots. It coincides with the changing division of power and influence in the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic could have less devastating consequences if there were more transnational cooperation. However, in the beginning, countries chose to go alone, which augmented the severity of the crisis.

To tackle global problems, we need more cooperation, not less global connection. Globalization is not a problem. The problem lies in deficiencies of management of globalization. International organizations are never more effective than the member states want them to be.

Because of the complexity of problems and profound interdependence, multilateralism will not die. It will be different. It will be exercised by different groups of actors, by different channels and on different levels.