Multilateralism: Theoretical Perspectives on the Policy Framework

Abstract

Multilateralism is relatively new concept in the world politics and became extensively used in the post-World War II era. While some theorists referred to multilateralism as the global governance, others linked multilateralism to internationalism, world order and international politics (Bouchard, Peterson, & Tocci, 2013). The aim of this paper is to examine some key multilateral policies’ theoretical frameworks and see how different theorists analyzed multilateral policies and multilateral activities. The paper concludes by highlighting several issues related to the different theoretical frameworks to multilateralism emphasizing the limitations of the majority of these frameworks. Nevertheless, the institutional approach to multilateralism clearly identifies the state behavior and recognizes the role of the institution in shaping the social identity of multilateral institutions. Additionally, the institutional approach was inclusive in explaining the Western identity of these organizations and the cultural approach to the actors’ behavior.

Keywords: Multilateralism, Global Governance, Political Economy, Institutionalism, Member States