US Withdrawal from Multilateral Institutions

The United States' decision to withdraw from various UN and international bodies, including climate, development, and human rights agencies, marks a significant strategic shift beyond a mere bureaucratic change.

Consequences of Withdrawal

• The withdrawal leads to systemic instability, as multilateral institutions provide predictability and norms for global cooperation.
• Without US participation, these institutions risk weakening, fragmentation, and increased politicization.

Impacts on Global Issues

• Climate Cooperation: Slows down when it requires acceleration, leading to fragmented climate action and delayed mitigation, disproportionately affecting the 'global south'.
• Development and Humanitarian Programs: Face funding gaps and legitimacy challenges.
• Rule-Making: Shifts from inclusive multilateral forums to narrower, power-centric blocs.

Erosion of Moral Authority

The US, having positioned itself as a steward of international order, weakens the normative foundations of global governance by disengaging.

India's Strategic Opportunity

• India's consistent approach, unlike the fluctuating commitments of the West, enhances its soft power.
• India can transition from a rule-taker to a rule-shaper, particularly in climate diplomacy.
• Emphasizes lifestyle-based climate action, adaptation finance, and technology transfer.
• India can stabilize global governance through G20 leadership and South-South cooperation.

Challenges and Opportunities

While a weaker multilateral system poses challenges like intensified climate risks and uncertain development finance, India's role as a constructive pillar in the new order can provide relative advantages in global geopolitics.