Renewed Multilateralism: Alleviate Risks, Enhance Security

This research paper argues for a redefined approach to multilateralism to address chronic and catastrophic global risks, specifically the climate crisis and pandemics, which are overwhelming the responsive capacities of nations and communities.

• The current global era is characterized by a variety of neglected international concerns and 'tail-end risks'—low-probability but catastrophic events with transboundary impacts, such as extreme weather and the Covid-19 pandemic. These stresses are increasing in frequency and often overlap, creating domino effects that can overwhelm the capacities of governments and multilateral organizations.
• The climate crisis is driven by atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations that have not been this high in at least two million years. This crisis threatens the core of modern society and governance through the loss of lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and agricultural productivity.
• To address these risks, multilateralism must be redefined, moving away from 'myopic self-preservation' and unilateral policies. Effective collective action requires accountability from industrialized nations, proactive resolution of issues by developing nations, and a shift in consumption patterns. Multilateral institutions should prioritize joint monitoring, data sharing, trust, legal instruments, and equitable financing.

APA

Stockholm Environment Institute (2022). Renewed Multilateralism: Alleviate Risks, Enhance Security. https://www.sei.org/publications/renewed-multilateralism-alleviate-risks-enhance-security/

Chicago

Stockholm Environment Institute. Renewed Multilateralism: Alleviate Risks, Enhance Security. 2022. https://www.sei.org/publications/renewed-multilateralism-alleviate-risks-enhance-security/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Stockholm Environment Institute |title=Renewed Multilateralism: Alleviate Risks, Enhance Security |date=18 May 2022 |url=https://www.sei.org/publications/renewed-multilateralism-alleviate-risks-enhance-security/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{stockholmenvironmentinstitute2022renewed, author = {{Stockholm Environment Institute}}, title = {{Renewed Multilateralism: Alleviate Risks, Enhance Security}}, institution = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, year = {2022}, month = may, url = {https://www.sei.org/publications/renewed-multilateralism-alleviate-risks-enhance-security/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }