Multilateralism Matters Even More

The next U.S. president will face a world in which multilateral institutions and diplomacy matter far more than at any time in the past. This importance arises from the nature of many contemporary issues, the proliferation in number and importance of nonstate actors, and the evolution of international diplomatic practice with the growth of multilateralism and pieces of global governance. This article addresses the broad need for U.S. foreign policy under the next administration to be more oriented toward multilateralism than it has been in recent years. In addressing this need, however, the next U.S. president will face a significant challenge in rebuilding US credibility, goodwill and soft power lost during the Bush administration. Symbolic gestures, words, and actions early in the new administration will be essential in demonstrating the United States’ commitment to international law and organizations.