MULTILATERALISM’S ROAD AHEAD
Such arrangements will inevitably raise questions of inclusivity and legitimacy, as they often involve limited membership and involve decision making that may affect states outside the process. However, in today’s more contested international environment, the imperative is to begin with what is feasible.
Not every challenge requires a universal solution from the outset; in many cases, effective cooperation could and should start small, before being scaled up into broader and more inclusive frameworks over time. For instance, while GUIDE currently involves 17 countries, it remains open to participation by others who may wish to join later.
At the same time, these smaller and more flexible frameworks should not be seen as substitutes for existing multilateral institutions, but as complements to them. When designed appropriately, they can help reinforce the legitimacy and effectiveness of the broader multilateral system, by demonstrating tangible results and sustaining momentum where larger frameworks may be slower to deliver.
Ultimately, in an increasingly fragmented world, the priority must be to develop practical and timely responses to shared challenges.
Sarah Teo is an Assistant Professor in the Regional Security Architecture Programme and Jane Chan is a Senior Fellow and Coordinator of the Maritime Security Programme. Both programmes are part of the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS) at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.