Multilateralism is a very ambiguous term. Its main use originated in US foreign policy in 1945, when multilateralism was defined as "international governance or global governance of the many" based on bilateral anti-discrimination and anti-preferential agreements. Indeed, the original brand of multilateralism: post-war American multilateralism is actually unapologetically one-sided, with American-based institutional structures dominating the world while the framers ignore the rules of the game. President Bush accurately stated that “when it comes to security, we (Americans) really don't need anyone's permission” (Ikenberry 2003). From time to time, the United States has withdrawn or even refused to ratify various multilateral treaties, while expecting other entities to sign up to them. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay To dispute the first usage, as Robert Keohane states, is “the practice of coordinating national policies in groups of three or more states” (Ruggie 1992) and (Bull 2007) defines the multilateral system as “the set of multilateral organizations, the rules and principles that govern them and the actors who participate in their governance or operations". While multilateralism is supposedly the most egalitarian and democratic process for ensuring the sharing of power and resources, it can also act as a barrier to more advanced development for developing countries by undermining state sovereignty, implementing counterproductive measures to block growth, not considering the special needs and idiosyncrasies of weaker states such as weaker infrastructure, technological deficits, limited finances and legitimacy deficiencies (Hale 2013) Multilateralism, founded on indivisibility between the promised partners of a collectivity and widespread reciprocity, it allows for some understanding of global political economy to the extent that it democratizes global governance through steps taken for the “common good.” Unity in diversity; and one for all and all for one are the main themes while multilateral institutions and organizations are the mechanism used to facilitate cooperative and redistributive programs. Meanwhile, contemporary multilateralism involves international neoliberal institutions (Zürn 2004). Multilateralism, similar to international relations theory, supports a multidimensional theoretical framework. (Neo)liberalism, realism, (neo)Gramscianism, constructivism, Marxism, institutionalism, poststructuralism, and critical theory are merging paradigms in the study of global governance. This multifaceted approach works best for understanding multilateralism because issues related to state actors, non-state actors, hegemonies, collective norms/values/ideals, institutions, collective security, social class, freedom and orientation to rights partially demonstrate the dynamics of multilateralism. structures and agencies and their concomitant action/interaction and interrelationships. Multilateralism is proposed as a solution to the inevitable common problems that threaten security, such as political upheavals, conflicts, trade relations, environmental risks, health risks and crime. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Post-1990 multilateralism represents the key vehicle for international cooperation among states, ironically in a “unipolar” world (Krauthammer 1990; Elsig 2011). 2007).