Examine the reasoning behind India’s recent proposal for a ‘New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System (NORMS)’ to address contemporary geopolitical realities.(150 words) 📍 Introduction ✅ Briefly introduce the concept of multilateralism and its importance in global governance. ✅ State the recent proposal by India for a ‘New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System (NORMS)’. 📍 Background on Multilateral Institutions ✅ Explain the role of multilateral institutions like the United Nations, World Health Organization, and International Monetary Fund. ✅ Mention how these institutions have historically functioned and their impact on global governance. 📍 Rationale Behind the NORMS Proposal ✅ Lack of Inclusivity and Representation: ◦ Discuss how the structure of the UN Security Council (UNSC) excludes many nations, particularly from the Global South. ◦ Fact: The UNSC’s permanent members have not changed since 1945, leading to a misrepresentation of today’s geopolitical landscape (Source: UN General Assembly reports). ✅ Misuse of Veto Power: ◦ Highlight instances where veto power has led to gridlock on critical global issues. ◦ Fact: An analysis by the Atlantic Council shows that from 1970 to 2021, the U.S., Russia, China, the UK, and France wielded veto power over 130 times, often to block important resolutions (Source: Atlantic Council). ✅ Altered Global Order: ◦ Elaborate on the shift in global dynamics, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where nations diversified their vaccine sources. ◦ Fact: Reports indicated that several countries from the Global South received vaccines primarily from sources outside traditional suppliers (Source: World Health Organization). ✅ Western Dominance: ◦ Discuss how Western countries influence multilateral decisions, often prioritizing their interests over those of developing nations. ◦ Fact: The IMF frequently imposes conditions on loans that favor Western economic frameworks (Source: IMF reports). ✅ Procedural Issues: ◦ Address the lack of transparency and accountability in established multilateral organizations. ◦ Fact: The WHO faced criticism for its opaque investigation into the origins of COVID-19 (Source: WHO statements). ✅ Backlash Against Globalization: ◦ Mention recent occurrences like Brexit and trade wars, emphasizing a trend toward nationalism. ◦ Fact: The dysfunctionality of the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism, largely due to stalled appointments, reflects a crisis in global governance (Source: WTO). 📍 Need for Reformed Multilateralism ✅ Stress the necessity of adapting to the current geopolitical landscape to foster global collaboration. ✅ Emphasize the multifaceted nature of today’s crises, including climate change, food security, and economic disparities. 📍 Conclusion ✅ Summarize the importance of the NORMS proposal in creating a representative and effective multilateral system. ✅ Highlight the potential benefits of adopting NORMS for addressing emerging global challenges.