How has minilateralism emerged as a modern approach to foreign policy in state relations? Provide a rational explanation of its development, highlighting the major factors driving its adoption and advantages over traditional multilateralism.

Introduction

Minilateralism is cooperation among a small number of states — typically three to a dozen — on specific issues, outside or alongside large multilateral institutions. The term was popularised by Moisés Naím in 2009, who argued for bringing together the "smallest possible number of countries needed to have the largest possible impact".

Why it has emerged

Multilateral paralysis: the UN Security Council is blocked by vetoes; WTO negotiations stalled after the Doha Round; climate talks move slowly because of consensus requirements. Great-power rivalry: competition between the US and China, and Russia's confrontation with the West, encourages like-minded groupings. Efficiency: small groups can act quickly and flexibly on technology, supply chains, security and finance.

Examples

The Quad (US, Japan, India, Australia), revived in 2017, cooperates on maritime security, vaccines, critical technologies and infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific. AUKUS (2021) links Australia, the UK and the US on nuclear-powered submarines and advanced technology. I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, US) focuses on economic projects. The G7 coordinates Western economic policy and sanctions. On the other side, groupings such as BRICS and trilateral formats involving China, Russia and Iran show that minilateralism is used by all sides.

Advantages

Faster decisions; deeper cooperation among trusted partners; ability to tackle specific problems (semiconductor supply chains, vaccine production); and potential to act as "building blocks" for wider agreements.

Risks

Minilateral groups can exclude smaller and developing states, weaken universal institutions such as the UN and WTO, and divide the world into rival blocs. Groupings with a security focus, such as AUKUS and the Quad, are seen by China as containment, increasing tensions. They lack the legitimacy and legal authority of universal bodies.

Implications for Pakistan

Pakistan is not part of the major Western minilaterals and is concerned that the Quad strengthens India's strategic position. It should use the SCO, OIC, ECO and trilateral formats with China and Afghanistan, Türkiye and Azerbaijan, and Gulf partners, while maintaining relations with the US and supporting a strong UN.

Conclusion

Minilateralism has emerged because large institutions are slow and great-power rivalry is intensifying. It offers flexibility and results but risks fragmenting the global order. The challenge is to ensure that small groupings complement, rather than replace, inclusive multilateralism.