C Raja Mohan writes: At G20, the end of old multilateralism – and the beginning of a new order

Source: The post is based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: At G20, the end of old multilateralism – and the beginning of a new order” published in “The Indian express” on 6th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- International relation- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

News: The article discusses the decline of post-Cold War multilateralism, with Russia and China’s growing conflicts causing challenges. It also highlights India’s growing role in shaping new regional and global partnerships, as seen in recent summits in Jakarta and Delhi.

Why is the post-Cold War era of global cooperation weakening?

Russian Conflicts: Russia’s aggressive actions, particularly the annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, have caused significant strain on international relations.

China’s Territorial Ambitions: China’s tensions with neighboring Asian countries, including disputes with India, Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam, have become sources of concern.

Economic Leverage: China has tried to use the world’s dependence on its economy for political and strategic gains, causing distrust.

Change in Chinese Policies: Xi Jinping’s reversal of policies from the 1980s, which aimed for a peaceful periphery and shared prosperity, has negatively impacted regional and global institutions.

How is Asia responding to China’s actions?

Security Institutions: New security groups like the Quad, which includes India, the US, Japan, and Australia, have been established to counterbalance China’s influence.

AUKUS Pact: The AUKUS alliance, consisting of Australia, Britain, and the US, has been formed as a direct response to China’s increasing military presence.

Questioning ASEAN’s Role: China’s aggressive territorial expansion has led to doubts about the effectiveness of ASEAN-led regional institutions in ensuring stability.

Bilateral Ties: Many Asian countries are strengthening bilateral relationships to deter China’s unilateral moves. For example, the trilateral compact between the US, Japan, and South Korea aims to bolster security in Northeast Asia.

Economic Diversification: Nations like Japan and the US are trying to reduce their economic dependence on China by diversifying trade partnerships.

How is India’s role evolving?

Central Player: India is emerging as a pivotal figure in shaping both regional and global dynamics, highlighted by its active participation in forums like the Indo-Pacific Quadrilateral Forum.

G20’s Evolution: India is pushing for the G20 to address the concerns of the Global South, signaling its desire to play a more substantial role in global economic discussions.

Shifting Alliances: Historically aligned with Moscow and Beijing for a multipolar world, India’s focus has shifted due to China’s increasing assertiveness, leading it closer to nations like Australia, Japan, and the US.

Embracing the Indo-Pacific: India has adopted the Indo-Pacific concept and rejuvenated the Quad alliance to counterbalance China’s influence in the region.

What are the features of India’s new multilateral approach?

Quad Collaboration: At the Jakarta summit, Indian’s PM emphasizes that the Quad complements ASEAN’s efforts and promotes regional stability.

Re-globalisation Focus: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar advocates for a diversified, democratic globalisation, moving away from a China-centric production model.

Collective Solutions: Despite challenges in multilateralism, India continues to seek collective solutions, focusing on diverse issues like modernising the global tax regime.

Global South Concerns: India prioritizes the concerns of the Global South in the G-20 agenda, aiming to enhance cooperation between developed and developing nations, rather than reviving old confrontational politics.