What does multilaterism focus on in international relations?

Multilateralism in international relations is centered on the coordination and cooperation among three or more states to address common challenges, manage relationships, and achieve shared goals. This approach encourages dialogue and partnership to create agreements and frameworks that can be beneficial for all participating countries, promoting global governance and collective action on issues such as trade, security, and environmental concerns.

In contrast, focusing solely on relations among two states pertains to bilateralism, which does not align with the multilateral approach. Strictly bilateral negotiations limit interactions to two parties and are less comprehensive compared to multilateral discussions that include a wider array of participants. Independence of national policies suggests a preference for unilateral actions rather than cooperative engagement, which is not a characteristic of multilateralism, where the emphasis is on collaboration and collective decision-making among multiple nations.