Multilateralism and Multipolarity ─ Structures of the Emerging World Order

The international system is undergoing a fundamental change from unipolarity to multipolarity and is facing a growing importance of Asia in world politics. In order to build Global Governance for the 21st century the multipolar state-system must be complemented and linked with structures of multilateral cooperation. As periods of multipolarity where much more common than periods of unipolarity until the middle of the 20th century, the current transition can be regarded as switching back to the international system's 'normal mode'. However, the process can be regarded as different from past transitions which occurred exclusively within the 'political west'. The current global transition is characterized by the re-emergence of Asia in general and the comeback of China and India in particular. By following their own agenda in world politics, emerging powers limit the governance capabilities of the leading western powers USA and European Union. Yet, the emerging multipolarity in itself cannot be regarded as an adequate system of Global Governance. To build Global Governance for the 21st century the multipolar state-system must be complemented and linked with structures of multilateral cooperation. This system has to incorporate actors from economy and civil society. Several signs indicate that the new powers intend to integrate themselves into the international order and its existing structures. Their main goal is to shape and reform this order according to their own agenda and to increase their influence due to their growing importance.