Context: The growing redundancy of the multilateral institutions like the United Nations and its affiliates is indicating the shift from globalism to regionalism and minilateralism. As globalism recedes, regional groupings will emerge as new power blocs in the future.
Relevance of the Topic : Mains: Is global multilateralism being replaced by regional and minilateral groupings?
Shift from Globalism to Regionalism
- After the Second World War, the dream of a globally governed world began to take shape. Institutions like the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were created to ensure peace, economic cooperation, and global governance.
- However, the 21st century is witnessing a visible decline in the influence and relevance of these global institutions. In place of globalism, regionalism and minilateralism are emerging as the defining features of the new world order.
Several recent events underscore the decline of globalism:
- Protectionist Policies: E.g., Trump’s recent reciprocal tariff policy, and the consequent tariffs imposition by other countries, marks a clear departure from globalism and further strengthens protectionist, inward-looking economic nationalism.
- Russia-Ukraine War: The inability of the UN to stop or effectively manage the Russia-Ukraine conflict has exposed the limitations of global diplomacy. Instead, NATO — a regional military alliance — emerged as the key player, expanding its influence and support to Ukraine.
- West Asia Tensions: The Israel-Hamas war shows the failure of global institutions to ensure peace and security in volatile regions. In contrast, regional players like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are asserting themselves more actively, often outside global frameworks.
- COVID-19 Pandemic: During the pandemic, countries prioritised their own needs, closing borders and hoarding vaccines. Global coordination, as expected from the WHO and other agencies, was minimal, while regional cooperation like the EU’s joint vaccine procurement worked better.
The Rise of Regional Blocs
Even in the last century, despite tall claims, the real geopolitics revolved around groups and regions. These groupings are based on geography, shared culture, economic interests, and strategic alignment.
- European Union (EU): Originally a post-war economic pact, the EU has evolved into a major political and economic power bloc. It now leads on issues like climate change, data protection, and trade regulation.
- ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations): A group of 11 Asian nations, ASEAN has grown into a key player in Asia-Pacific affairs. It plays a central role in regional diplomacy and trade frameworks like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
- BIMSTEC & IORA: In South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region, India is pushing for regional integration through groupings like BIMSTEC and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). While still underperforming, these platforms offer immense potential for future cooperation.
- Quad and BRICS: Minilateral platforms like the Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia) and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) are now shaping geopolitical strategies outside the framework of global institutions.
India’s Stance in Regionalism:
- India has historically approached geopolitics with idealistic notions like Non-Alignment and global justice. However, the limitations of such an approach have become evident. Today, the Indian government is trying to reinvigorate India’s regional leadership. This can be seen by India’s emphasis on the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) diplomacy, active participation in QUAD and BIMSTEC, and efforts to deepen ties with Africa and Southeast Asia. This shows a shift toward strategic realism.
- South Asia remains the least integrated despite being the most contiguous geographically and culturally. Half-hearted efforts have been made to build regional alliances.
- SAARC, despite early promises, is dysfunctional due to India-Pakistan tensions.
- In 28-years of BIMSTEC existence, its leaders have met only six times, once virtually. It grapples with challenges like a lack of resources and manpower.
- Greater integration of the IOR through minilaterals like BIMSTEC, the Western Indian Ocean initiative involving Mauritius and other island countries, and India-East Africa cooperation, must be a priority for the Indian leadership.
Conclusion: As the global order transitions into a multipolar, multi-regional world, countries that understand and invest in regional alliances will be better positioned to secure their interests. India, with its strategic location and growing economy, has both the opportunity and responsibility to lead regional integration in South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region.