The modern history of the world has witnessed various forms of international order. The order has transformed from bipolar to unipolar to multipolar, and even pole-less form. At the state level, the world has entered into a multipolar order along with the emergence of new powers. And, countries have even individually contributed to run international order sans any polar alliance or through formation of groupings. At the organizational level, the international entities, such as the UN, the World Bank, the IMF, have been used by powerful countries to serve the order of their choice. But neither the current multipolar world order has truly embraced multilateralism in the absence of firm bonding among the countries associated with it nor the order envisaged through international organizations like the UN has proved to be as effective as expected.
A New International Order
In light of the current situation, the international order needs to be reoriented in order to make it more effective, balanced and regulated. A realistic approach would be better given the nature of actual inter-state behaviors. Concrete actions on several fronts are suggested for this purpose.
First, the current multipolar and multicentric world should be made cohesive and cooperative, not segregated and deviated, as it is now. Only cooperation, not confrontation, has the real potential for promoting any useful international order. The aim should be to ensure an orderly, harmonized, and secure world. A proper balance of power among various poles or centers for positive outcomes will help expedite this drive. Countries that claim a polar or central role have the onus to think and act in this way.
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Second, in order for instituting a trustworthy international order, all countries must treat each other in an equal, friendly, cooperative, and respectful manner, truly recognizing their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. This does not look like it is happening at present in many cases. Countries should not be seen as powerful and weak, rich and poor, superior and inferior, and big and small in their inter-state interactions. In terms of sovereignty, every country is equal. Such conception and behavior will automatically end the act of aggression, territorial encroachment, conflicts, and misunderstanding among countries.
Third, a new international order must solidly be based on the UN architecture. There is a genuine need for reforming the UN to make it a robust international organization, empowering its organs like that of a national government. It must be a truly representative global body. At present, close to two hundred countries have got its membership, but not every member enjoys power to make its vital decisions. Power should, thus, be equitably distributed among member countries, including the veto power, based on financial contribution, role in peacekeeping operations and support to development activities.
Fourth, universal values, such as freedom, liberalism, human rights, equity, justice, and the like ought to be accorded a comprehensive space. For this, countries should go the extra mile to adopt policies of global reach as against narrow protectionism, ultra-nationalism, and hollow populist tendencies, so that such values that benefit not a few countries or regions but the entire world would be duly respected. Additionally, a global approach is also required for dealing with the challenges of the international dimension, such as environmental degradation, energy crisis, terrorism, pandemics, food shortage, etc.
Fifth, besides the UN working at the global level, separate groups of countries other than those attached to a particular power center, can be created in parallel, which are able to take prompt decisions and commensurate actions for addressing global or regional problems or challenges. This will open a new avenue for consolidated actions towards that direction, including the support to the UN. As a supplement to this system, even bilateral or regional agreements between and among like-minded countries can be practical and effective.
Sixth, individual national identity should be conscientiously protected while promoting global fraternity. A careful balance is required between patriotism and globalism. The act of advancing one’s civilization, culture, values, knowledge systems, indigenous technologies, etc should in no way undermine similar aspects of other countries. Mutual recognition and appreciation of civilizational and cultural specificities, not clash or conflict among them, is the best course to follow.
Seventh, humanity desperately wants disarmament, peace, and security at the global level. For this, wars, conflicts, terrorism, and other peace-breaching activities, which are the real source of human misery, must be prevented with utmost efforts of all. The weapons of mass destruction need to be disbanded by an international treaty. There is no rationale behind weaponization save a show of power at the huge cost of waste of precious resources that could be otherwise utilized for improving the living standards. The sooner the countries possessing such weapons realize the worth of their elimination, the better. More importantly, a general agreement can also be inked by countries guaranteeing that in case a sovereign country is attacked or invaded by another, the rest of the countries will defend it, either through the UN or on their own combined response.
Eighth, the aim of a new international order should be to expand opportunities, development, and prosperity for as many peoples of the world as possible, not to limit them for a few only. It requires committed actions towards generation of greater opportunities and their equitable distribution, resource utilization and regeneration in a sustainable manner, and development works with proper environmental protection. Focus on these aspects can reduce imbalance and inequity in the availability of opportunities and the level of development and prosperity in various parts of the globe, thereby enhancing security, welfare and civilizational bonds.
Ninth, countries associated with various poles or centers should not only compete for power and profits in their international engagements but also cooperate for expanding the areas of common interest, including for those remaining out of such polar alliance. Polarization or centricity needs to buttress a new international order through robust partnership and collaboration, not create division and distance, among countries.
Finally, countries that wish to remain out of any polarity or centricity and act in an independent way, developing inter-state relations in diverse sectors, should also contribute, commensurate to their position, to creating a new international order that works for a safer, healthier, and happier world. An independent or non-aligned or neutral policy can equally reinforce the value and utility of such an order, offering fair options for taking right decisions for global governance.
Nepal’s Role
As a member of the international community, Nepal should find its own space in the global efforts for creating a new international order that is in the interest of the country and the world at large. It cannot remain oblivious to vital developments taking place in international relations. It must play dynamic and constructive roles, including creating an order that ensures its peace, security and development internally, and more rights, representation and honor externally. Nepal’s medium status in the comity of nations in terms of its geographical, economic, and demographic size provides a comfortable cushion for such roles. All, however, will rest with the will, determination and capability of those who lead the nation.
