The New “New Multilateralism”: Minilateral Cooperation, but at What Cost?

Abstract

A defining feature of twenty-first century multilateralism is growing reliance on informal, non-binding, purpose-built partnerships and coalitions of the interested, willing, and capa- ble. The rise of minilateral cooperation reflects the failure of formal international organiza- tions to adapt to complex global challenges, dramatic power shifts, and growing normative divergences in world politics. Such ad hoc, disaggregated approaches to international coop- eration bring certain advantages, including speed, flexibility, modularity, and possibilities for experimentation. But the new multilateralism also presents dangers, among these encour- aging rampant forum-shopping, undermining critical international organizations, and reduc- ing accountability in global governance.