Economic Multilateralism and Geopolitical Competition

Multilateral institutions were key for structuring neoliberal globalization in the aftermath of the Cold War. The creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) symbolized the attempt of enshrining a rules-based economic order under the aegis of liberal ideas. After the post-2008 Global Financial Crisis, contestation of multilateralism increased from within and outside the West and new intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) without American sponsorship were created. By exploring the dynamics of the WTO and other economic-focused IGOs amidst growing protectionist trends, the panel aims to shed light on the future of economic multilateralism in a post-hegemonic context.