The weakening of multilateralism and the contemporary crisis of international organizations present profound challenges to the governance and sustainability of pluralist societies. In an era marked by shifting global power dynamics, rising populist nationalism, and economic disruptions, traditional international institutions often struggle to effectively manage complex transnational issues. Chief among these challenges are the governance of large-scale international migration, climate-induced displacement, and the subsequent growth of diverse, multiethnic societies. This panel critically examines how the erosion of multilateral cooperation and the retreat from global norms impact socio-political pluralism across both global and local arenas.
As international frameworks face mounting crises of legitimacy, national and local governments are frequently left to navigate the complexities of diversity and integration with diminished global support. This dynamic can exacerbate the vulnerabilities of uncertain democracies, fueling anti-democratic backlashes and straining the social fabric of pluralist states. We invite contributions that draw upon international relations theory, comparative politics, and institutional analysis to explore these intersecting crises. Papers might address the institutional resilience of international organizations, the evolving landscape of global migration governance, or the specific ways in which local democratic processes are forced to adapt to an increasingly fragmented international order.
Furthermore, the panel encourages explorations of how non-state actors, regional networks, and emerging international coalitions might fill the gaps left by paralyzed multilateral institutions. By fostering a dialogue between macroscopic global governance challenges and microscopic local socio-political realities, this session aims to rethink how democratic institutions can be modernized. Participants will debate innovative models for achieving cooperative governance, assessing whether existing institutional frameworks can be reformed—or if entirely new paradigms of international relations are required—to protect and promote pluralism in a multipolar, uncertain world.
