The G-20: a pathway to effective multilateralism?

This Chaillot Paper focuses on the emergence of the G-20 and its role in forging global governance amidst the changing dynamics of multilateralism. In the current international system, it is clear that global problems and crises require global solutions. But concerted global action has often proven difficult to achieve, partly because of the advent of a more complex world order with a multiplicity of stakeholders. The birth of the G-20 is therefore a significant development in world politics. It reflects the emergence of new powerful states and a multipolar order as well as the recognition of increasing interdependence among the key actors. The paper explores three key dimensions of the G-20: its origins and development, its role with respect to the development of multilateralism and the way in which both old and new key actors engage with this new forum. It also emphasises how the G-20 is clearly of central importance for the EU’s aim to build an international order based on effective multilateralism.