UPSC Notes

Multilateralism and Global Governance in a Multipolar World

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC examines the role of international institutions, the evolution of the global order, and India's participation in shaping global norms and addressing shared challenges. This concept covers the dynamics of multilateral diplomacy and the future of global governance.

Multilateralism, the practice of coordinating national policies in groups of three or more states, is crucial for addressing global challenges. In a multipolar world, the effectiveness and legitimacy of existing global governance institutions are being re-evaluated, leading to the emergence of new forums and a debate over the future shape of the international order.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Purpose of Forums

Multilateral forums like BRICS and G7 serve as platforms for political dialogue, consensus-building, and expressing collective positions.

Global South Voice

BRICS is seen as a platform for the 'Global South' to convey its message and push for a fairer, more inclusive multilateral system.

Consensus Challenges

Achieving consensus on contentious issues (e.g., Ukraine conflict) can lead to omissions or diluted language in declarations.

Future of Governance

The future world order may be shaped more in 'silent small rooms' and specialized forums (e.g., AI, space governance) rather than large political platforms.

Reference table

Comparison of BRICS and G7

FeatureBRICSG7
MembershipEmerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa + new members)Advanced economies (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, US)
Primary FocusEconomic cooperation, political dialogue, voice of Global SouthEconomic policy coordination, global issues
Geopolitical StanceOften seen as a counterpoint to Western dominanceRepresents established Western democracies

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaInternational Relations
Conceptual areaInternational Organizations
Conceptual areaGlobal Governance

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
BRICSMultilateral forum
G7Multilateral forum
United NationsGlobal governance institution
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Multilateralism coordinates policies among multiple states.
  • BRICS and G7 represent different blocs in global governance.
  • Global South seeks more inclusive multilateral system.
  • Consensus-building is challenging in diverse forums.
  • Future governance may shift to specialized, smaller groups.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

International RelationsInternational OrganizationsGlobal Governance

Does the BRICS summit signify a shift for Indian foreign policy?

18 Sep 2026 · Multilateralism in a multipolar world involves diverse forums like BRICS and G7, where nations coordinate policies and debate global governance, facing challenges in achieving consensus and ensuring representation for the Global South.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Multilateralism and Global Governance in a Multipolar World

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Multilateralism and Global Governance in a Multipolar World in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Multilateralism and Global Governance in a Multipolar World

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements: 1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009....

2014·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS: I. 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan. II. Indonesia has become a ful...

2025·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following countries - 1. China 2. France 3. India 4. Israel 5. Pakistan Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the T...

2015·International Relations
Solve

India is a member of which of the following? 1. Asia-Pacific economic corporation. 2. Association of South-East Asian Nations. 3. East Asia Summit Select t...

2015·International Relations
Solve

India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect

2025·International Relations
Solve

With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements: 1. The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to the non-mem...

2022·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following statements : Statement-I: Recently, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have launched the 'Trade and Techn...

2023·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following: 1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank 2. Missile Technology Control Regime 3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation India is a member ...

2022·International Relations
Solve

Editorial & Review Process

Every revision note and practice question on UPSC Practice is researched using authoritative primary sources and reviewed for factual accuracy, syllabus relevance, and exam value. Read our Editorial Policy.

Verified Quality