Why Is Multilateralism Important?
When nations agree on and coordinate policies, there is a greater sense of international legitimacy. Also, sanctions, peacekeeping and other international actions are more effective when multiple countries participate.
Examples of Multilateralism in Foreign Policy
- Peacekeeping forces: Countries send multinational forces to conflict zones like Darfur or Rwanda. For example in 2007, the United Nations agreed that Darfur was a grave humanitarian issue and sent 26,000 peacekeeping troops to augment 7000 African Union troops already in Darfur in order to create a force capable of ending attacks on civilians.
- Economic sanctions: Nations agree as a bloc not to trade with or restrict economic activity with a state in violation of international norms like North Korea.
- Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change: The world community decided to set guidelines on carbon emissions to reduce the effects of climate change. The United States has not agreed to the Kyoto Protocol.
Unilateralism
Unilateralism emphasizes the importance of the policy over its support among other nations. President George W. Bush was known as a proponent of unilateralism in US foreign policy, perhaps better known as "going it alone."
Despite weak support from European allies, President Bush pressed forward with the war in Iraq and the subsequent troop surge in 2007. Many of America's allies that joined in the original Iraqi invasion have withdrawn their troops.
Obama's View on Multilateralism
In his address to the UN General Assembly on September 23, 2009, President Obama said, "Those who used to chastise America for acting alone in the world cannot now stand by and wait for America to solve the world's problems alone … We have sought -- in word and deed -- a new era of engagement with the world. Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges."
Obama is a strong supporter of multilateralism. Consultation with America's allies was a consistent theme during the 2008 Presidential election campaign. The White House has worked closely with the G-20 group of economies to combat the global economic and financial crisis.
Multilateralism and Iran's Nuclear Capabilities
The US Government would like the global community to take a hard-line against Iran's nuclear capability but multilateral action is difficult because the Russians and Chinese are hesitant to pressure Iran. Iran's confirmation of the existence of a secret nuclear production facility, not reported to International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors, may facilitate multilateral action.