Articles

The Future of Multilateralism

The Liberal Order under Pressure

The multilateral world order is in deep crisis; indeed, some believe it has reached its end. This belief is based on a number of changes in the political West and power shifts in the inter­national system. What does this mean for the future of multilateralism as we know it? This article addresses this question by examining three trends for future multilateral cooperation.

The Path into the Community of Destiny with China

Challenges for Multilateralism in Southeast Asia

China and the US have both declared war on multilateralism, albeit with different motivations. For regional associations such as ­ASEAN, this enmity is becoming an existential threat. The coronavirus crisis has given new urgency to the discussion of concepts for pandemic resistance. But the principle of unanimity will have to be jettisoned along the way.

The Relevance of the United Nations

In a New Era of Global Tensions

The United Nations’ effectiveness is being weakened by the gradual erosion of its foundation of liberal democratic values and the increasingly confrontational stance of major states with veto power. In many cases, the conflict between the US and China is paralysing UN diplomacy. Although the importance of the United Nations has once again been highlighted by the ­COVID-19 pandemic, 75 years after its inception it is now time to ask what global leadership should look like. But first and foremost, it is now to call on member states and their the political will to work together.

The Trojan Horse of Multilateralism

Why Authoritarian Regimes Favour International Cooperation While Simultaneously Undermining It

Everyone today is talking about multilateralism, and politicians of almost every stripe are averring the importance of multilateral organisations. Nevertheless, the liberal world order, of which multilateral cooperation is an important foundation, is in what may be its most severe crisis. This article will address this crisis and illustrate what must be done to revive the commitment to multilateralism.

Youth Revolution or Identity-Forming Movement?

An Anatomy of Mass Protests in Iraq

The emergence of a common Iraqi identity has always been hampered by the great heterogeneity in the population. However, hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have united in repeated protests, the largest since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Meanwhile, the elites are attempting to hold on to as much of their power as possible.

“Hypernationalism”?

The Debate on Identity and Nationalism in the Gulf

Few regions are facing such massive changes to their economic, social, and security situations as the Gulf States. These changes are also leading to the dissolution of factors that previously formed their identity. They are now being replaced by nationalisation projects – attracting accusations that the Gulf States are pursuing an aggressive form of “hypernationalism”.

Coronavirus in Latin America

Opportunity or Threat for the Rule of Law?

In Latin America, the impact of the coronavirus on the rule of law will largely depend on how governments in the region exercise their power in this time of crisis. If Latin America’s rulers abuse their authority in order to consolidate power, the future looks bleak for the rule of law in Latin America. Whereas, if they exercise their power with moderation and demonstrate good leadership in bringing their countries out of the crisis, they may be able to win back the trust that was thought to be lost forever. One thing we know for sure is that the coronavirus will change the rules of the political game.

Editorial of the issue "Nationalism"

“It is very important to us that together we find a strong response to the coronavirus. It knows no borders, it knows no nationalities.” These are the words of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, with regard to the coronavirus crisis. The outbreak of COVID-19 and the subsequent sustained pandemic have created a new level of global emergency in early 2020. This includes the closure of borders and introduction of border controls within the European Union.

Indigenous Identity in Latin America

Cultural Riches and Social Dynamite

Indigenous identity in Latin America is fundamentally different from post-materialist identity politics in the West, but could benefit from the latter’s rise. Deep-seated deficits in representation make the issue of indigenous policy-relevant in almost all countries in the region, however, to greatly varying degrees. Indigenous identity is a further manifestation of social inequality in the region’s societies and a challenge to politics.

National Identity Against External Pressure

Will Belarus Reconcile Its Contradicting Narratives?

Viewed dispassionately, the pro-Russian and pro-European poles of the Belarusian national identity, however much they disagree in questions of content, are both part of Belarus in its modern form. From the identity politics perspective, this realisation represents an opportunity to reconcile internal narratives and resolve internal tensions. This insight can ultimately lead to the heightening of the country’s profile at the international level – especially in the West, where Belarus is still often perceived as a mere Russian appendage because of the way it has positioned itself for years.