-Dhea Marsha Ananda
Multilateralism, a Global South’s drive, aims to balance global power, raise issues of development, economic justice, and climate change from the perspective of developing countries, and form an international system that is more democratic towards the needs of all countries, not just a handful of major powers. The need to redefine multilateralism is because the system of international cooperation based on shared rules has lost its legitimacy and success since it has failed to deal with major problems such as terrorism, war, pandemics, climate change, and economic instability (Thakur, 2025). This failure has led to geopolitical divisions, allowing minilaterals (a small group of special-purpose countries) and the Global South (GS) a stronger voice. This is especially true for developing countries like Brazil, India, and South Africa. Thus, BRICS and SCO evolved in response to the inadequacies of conventional multilateral institutions such as the UN, World Bank, IMF, and WTO. However, due to their exclusive nature, they also have the potential to threaten the viability of multilateralism. Therefore, the Global South now demands greater representation in global governance, proposes UN reforms, and emphasizes the importance of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the role of civil society in maintaining international justice.
However, it is possible that the plan faces real challenges such as high poverty and inequality, and dependence on foreign aid and debt with political or economic conditions. There is also a lack of representation in global institutions, despite their growing population and economic contribution. Despite these challenges, the countries of the Global South are still working to redesign the international order, because multilateralism is no longer just a matter of diplomacy between powerful countries, but also an arena of struggle for the redistribution of global power, recognition of colonial history, and strengthening the voices of countries that have been marginalized.
Brazil and Multilateralism
Brazil demonstrates a clear commitment to form a new, inclusive multilaterality in global forums through strategic roles in the G20, BRICS, and environmental agencies like COP. At the 2024 Summit, Brazil successfully promoted the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet” by launching important initiatives such as the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, and G20 Social as a platform for civil society participation (The Brazilian G20 and the Climate Finance Agenda, n.d.). By encouraging the use of local currency in trade and working together on projects pertaining to artificial intelligence and climate change, Brazil also sought to strengthen the agenda for economic cooperation and increase the number of its members during its 2025 BRICS chairmanship. Brazil was successful in making BRICS a workable global model for developing countries. Additionally, by preparing for COP30, which was held in Belém do Pará, Brazil demonstrated its commitment to global environmental challenges—lowering greenhouse gas emissions, becoming ready for climate change, and giving the Global South money (Watts, 2025).
IBSA is a forum for strengthening diplomacy between the South and the South that was co-founded by India, Brazil and South Africa in 2003. The nation plays an active role in promoting UN reform and social justice, including food security and gender equality. It supports peace in the South Atlantic through ZOPACAS and advocates for UN Security Council reform as part of the G4. By rejoining UNASUR and leading the Brasília Consensus, Brazil has strengthened its regional influence. Its peacekeeping efforts in the DRC, Haiti, and Lebanon show its global commitment.
However, rising trade tensions with the U.S., including a 50% increase in export tariffs, pose major challenges to Brazil’s international ambitions. This triggered countermeasures from Brazil through the WTO, with a decision to favor dialogue (Paraguassu, 2025). Another challenge was that the organization of COP30 in Belém was hampered by the accommodation crisis with “extortionate” prices accompanied by infrastructure deficiencies, to the threat of moving the location, so the government prepared alternative lodging places such as cruise ships (Borenstein, 2025).
Brazil balances its relations with the Global South and the West as part of its non-aligned foreign policy. Its policy of diplomatic and economic diversification is seen in its improved ties with the United States, China, Japan, and Mexico. Key initiatives include cooperation with Japan on supply chains and climate justice, applying for full IEA membership, and launching the “Redata” scheme to attract green tech investment in renewable-powered data centers. In addition, a US$1 billion investment with IFC and BTG Pactual was made by Brazil for bioeconomy and climate resilience initiatives in the Amazon region.
It can be concluded that Brazil successfully combined formal diplomatic leadership with practical action to strengthen the multipolar global structure. Although multilateralism is in an identity crisis due to the weak performance of global institutions and increasing geopolitical fragmentation, recovery remains possible through reforms, stronger Global South representation, flexible minilaterals, and active civil society roles in promoting justice and sustainability. Brazil’s strategy has boosted its global image and empowered Southern nations in multilateral engagement.
[ Dhea Marsha Ananda is an intern at COGGS and student of International Relations, UPN “Veteran” East Java University ]