Multilateralism in Crisis?

Multilateralism in Crisis?

The current situation in Syria has brought up the question of whether Security Council gridlock reflects a failure of multilateral diplomacy.  Does inaction by the international community in Syria mean that multilateralism, the UN specifically, is in a state of crisis?  Not exactly.  Sovereign states dictate how powerful global governance institutions like the UN are and what they can do.  States do have the power to make the decision not to intervene during a conflict.  Multilateralism itself is not in crisis because countries still work together in a variety of other means.  Regional groups like NATO just came together in Libya.  Organizations like the WHO, WTO, and the ICC work together across the globe on a daily basis.  Inaction in Syria is the reflection of a reality of multilateralism.  State power has always threatened multilateralism and this is not something new. If it is in crisis, then it always has been in crisis Multilateralism is challenged consistently by realism.  Liberal institutionalists are in a constant battle to defend global governance against realists who’s referent point is the state and its power..  Syria is a crisis of communication between states and reveals a deep seeded conflict of interest in the country.  China and Russia are both allies of Al-Assad, and the US has political reasons to back the opposition. It could be argued that none of them really care about Syrians at all and are just acting in the self-interest of their respective governments. 

It is only a matter of time before the UN acts in Syria.  Innocent people are dying the UN will do whatever it takes to avoid another conflict where it is accused of standing by.  Its legitimacy and credibility simply can’t afford it.   The format of the Security Council does need reform and it could be successfully argued the Security Council is in crisis due to its format.  Inaction in Syria is only permitted because the Security Council can’t agree on a resolution  that will not get vetoed.  But multilateralism, more than two countries working together on an issue – is not in crisis because of outdated formatting system.  The last time the crisis debate was brought up was back when the US invaded Iraq without UN approval.   But just like before, the UN will rebound and all talk of crisis will go away quickly, especially if the problem in Syria goes away sooner rather than later.