Towards Progressive Multilateralism: Decoding the Trilemma of State, Democracy, and Globalisation

Abstract

Institutions have long been influenced by their idiographic milieu. Western liberal institutions, grounded in liberal internationalism, often negate the institutional epistemology that advocates for diversity in the structural reform of Multilateral Institutions. Neo-liberal institutions, however, promote ontological tendencies in multilateral institutions. Decoding the functioning of the state, democracy and globalisation offers insights into restructuring the multilateral institutions (MIs). The study uses regression analysis to know the functioning of the state, democracy and globalisation in the countries of the global South and global North. Social determinism helps recognise and deconstruct ontological MIs. G-20, a conglomeration of developing and developed countries, is better positioned to make consensus through consultative, collaborative and decisive processes amid competing interests and ideologies. The study finds the variables of political trilemma vary contrary to neo-liberal prescriptions of reducing government size to encourage trade openness & liberal democracy. Moreover, the study refuted the notion that democracy leads to trade openness and the concurrent relationship between government size and democracy. These findings present a strong case to rethink and restructure multilateralism and MIs.