Why we need a multilateralism that works and what is the role of the BRICS: lessons from the recent Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

After the dramatic event which humanity has experienced, the Covid-19 pandemic, innumerable questions arise concerning the future of the international system. The pandemic highlighted many contradictions within this system: first of all, the logic of divisions covered by the dichotomy “the West and the rest” has proved to be obsolete as it often generated conflicting positions on the issues that concern the whole humanity, such as the distribution of vaccines. It has also demonstrated the need to seek out ways to improve cooperation and design effective multilateral policies, especially given the other global challenges, many of which will require swift action: we primarily refer to the climate change and, more generally, to the reform of global governance (GG) towards a more democratic system. In this context, the role of the BRICS is fundamental for several reasons. First, the BRICS have repeatedly demanded greater democratization of GG, and their actions seem to be aimed at creating more inclusive decision-making processes in international forums, such as the United Nations and the G20. Furthermore, the BRICS are a group of countries fighting for greater multilateralism, especially at the financial level. Finally, owing to their economic and political weight and the size of the population, the BRICS countries are crucial for building the foundations of the future, more inclusive, international relations as they may guarantee the multilateral character of the reformed GG. As a group, they represent a sustainable partnership that has great potential for laying the foundations of a different type of global architecture. In this paper we discuss the strategic role that the BRICS could play in the future of multilateralism despite the existing limitations. We do this through the lens of the global development theory that shows the importance of sharing common practices and narratives and overcoming divergences between the global North and South, especially in a post-Covid perspective.