Book Description

The present geopolitical landscape has witnessed a seemingly drastic transition, with the widespread emergence of multifarious groupings, popularly referred to as “Minilaterals”, premises upon the imperative understanding of peacebuilding and conflict resolution, and shared threat perceptions, with regards to numerous strategically viable areas. The growing realisation of the virtual deficiencies of singular organisations in combating regional challenges, through calibrated options and the pronounced infringements of broader strategic interests, have accentuated the need for the constitution of such multilateral organisations. The Indo- Pacific replete with a wider array of opportunities to broaden international partnerships, has emerged as the bastion of profound diplomatic engagements thereby taking shape as one of the most coveted realms of contemporary international relations.Kicking off proceedings with the actively revamped Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), a brainchild of the United States, integrating presently developing proponents of India, Japan and Australia into the fold of strengthened commitment against Chinese belligerence , this rapidly evolving phenomenon of “Minilateralism”, has remained manifest in the recently constituted AUKUS ( comprising Australia, UK and the US ) and the renewed fervour of the Shanghai Co-operation Organization (SCO) , skewed towards pursuing narrow and monolithic interests of international consolidation.The fundamental flashpoint therefore pertains to the overall credibility of these thickets of steadily developing channels of dialogue and negotiation, thereby weighing in the prospects of co-operation and governance in the wider expanse of the Indo-Pacific, which this article seeks to delve into, quite incisively.