Euroviews. Middle powers have the power to save multilateralism

In today's world, marked by extraordinary geopolitical turbulence and persistent conflict, the need for multilateral solutions has never been more urgent. 

Wars in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa are claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands, whilst climate change is leaving millions more hungry, vulnerable, and displaced. These conflicts appear beyond resolution, with no hope in sight.

Amidst this global discord, the traditional powerhouses — the world’s economic and political behemoths — are increasingly unable to work together. 

The conflict in Ukraine has created a diplomatic stalemate, the ongoing situation in Gaza is an epic humanitarian disaster, while tensions in the Indo-Pacific are fuelling brinkmanship at the expense of a more constructive engagement.

Meanwhile, the structures designed to foster international consensus, such as the United Nations, face paralysis and gridlock. 

The veto power held by permanent members of the United Nations Security Council often results in deadlock, preventing decisive actions against global crises and leading to repeat scenarios where unilateralism is favoured over collective action. 

This further erodes the spirit of multilateralism and undermines the credibility of international institutions.

Against this backdrop, middle powers like Kazakhstan emerge as pivotal players with growing capacities to ensure greater stability, peace and development in their regions and beyond. 

While we may not wield the same global influence as the world’s superpowers, nations like ours possess the economic strength, military capabilities, and, perhaps more importantly, political will and diplomatic acumen necessary to exert significant sway in the global arena on issues ranging from food and