Multilateralism à la carte, the Washington way, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• The United States announced its withdrawal from 66 international bodies on January 7, 2026, including 31 within the UN system.
• This action signifies a shift towards multilateralism à la carte, where the US selectively engages with international institutions based on its interests.
• The decision follows the National Security Strategy which outlined a narrower scope of American responsibility, focusing on the Western Hemisphere.
• The US approach involves using instruments like exit, obstruction, bypass, and conditionality to shape the multilateral system to its advantage.

Detailed Insights:

• The US has shown a pattern of reversing multilateral commitments, such as rejoining and intending to exit UNESCO and the Paris Agreement, indicating that these commitments are now political choices.
• The US is strategically employing tools such as obstructing appointments at the WTO and postponing the adoption of net-zero framework for shipping at the International Maritime Organisation.
• Initiatives like Pax Silica demonstrate a preference for manageable coalitions over universal frameworks, focusing on coordination among key partners in critical sectors like semiconductor supply chains.
• The US conditions its participation in multilateral institutions based on alignment with its sovereignty and interests, as seen in its exit from the UN Human Rights Council and funding cuts to the UNRWA.
• This approach weakens the predictability of international cooperation, which is essential for India's rise, particularly in areas like trade rules, climate finance, global health, and technology standards.
• While the US aims to focus on competition with China, selective withdrawal creates uncertainty and limits its ability to shape global standards effectively.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Multilateralism à la carte: A selective approach to international cooperation where nations engage only in areas that directly benefit their interests.
• Conditionality: The attachment of specific requirements or stipulations to participation in international agreements or organizations.
• International Solar Alliance: An intergovernmental organization that promotes solar energy.