Multilateralism, long a cornerstone of international cooperation, is facing a mounting crisis as major powers increasingly pursue unilateral or bilateral strategies to maximise their influence. In recent years, growing disillusionment with existing multilateral structures has become evident, reflected in developments such as Brexit, the United States’ (US) withdrawal from key multilateral agreements and institutions, rising resistance to global oversight mechanisms and the intensification of geopolitical rivalries. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the fragility of the multilateral system, particularly through the unequal distribution of vaccines and the diminished role of international institutions. These events highlight the multilateral order’s crisis and the need to strengthen its resilience, while signalling a broader breakdown in global legal cooperation that demands analysis of its causes and implications.

The Crisis of Multilateral Legal Order: Causes, Dynamics and Implications, edited by Gruszczynski, Menkes, Bílková and Farah, thoroughly examines the multilateral and liberal international order, addressing two pivotal questions: first, the nature of the crisis; and, second, its dynamics and implications. Offering insights from historical, legal and political science perspectives, this groundbreaking study combines legal analysis, empirical evidence and practical insights. The book is divided into two parts and has 16 chapters in total. It features contributions from scholars with diverse academic backgrounds. Each chapter adopts an in-depth and systematic approach to analyse the issue at hand from various perspectives. This comprehensive examination ensures both depth and breadth of analysis, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing the multilateral legal framework.

Chapter 1 serves as the editors’ overview of the entire book, following which Part I—‘Conceptualizing the Crisis’—comprises four chapters focusing on theoretical insights into the crisis of multilateralism and its legal foundations, alongside an examination of its nature. In Chapter 2 (Vodiannikov), the crisis of trust within contemporary multilateralism is dissected, analysing the ideological underpinnings of the international order and the historical dynamics shaping it. Core topics include the sources of this challenge, the significance of trust in multilateralism and the concept of crisis, with a specific emphasis on its indicators: financial, decision-making and compliance. Chapter 3 (Butler) delves into the crisis of institutional multilateralism, highlighting its inherent complexities and its intricate relationship with State sovereignty. Drawing upon the scholarship of Paul Diehl and Charlotte Ku, the chapter reveals how US normative hegemony obscured dual systemic pressures on sovereignty and anticipates challenges from resurgent sovereignty-based actors.

Chapter 4 (Varaki) examines the various actors within international law, scrutinising their ability to address normative and structural biases while upholding the integrity of international legal frameworks. Practical examples from fields such as international criminal justice and forced displacement illustrate the critical role of human agency in shaping the future of international law. Finally, Chapter 5 (Footer) provides a comprehensive examination of challenges facing the contemporary multilateral international order. Factors such as the rise of emerging economies, authoritarian regimes and issues like climate change and ocean governance are explored as destabilising elements. Despite these challenges, avenues for potential reform are noted, including the adoption of ‘multi-stakeholder-ism’ to revitalise and enhance the effectiveness of multilateral approaches.

Part II of the book comprises ten chapters that delve into the intricate ‘Dynamics and Implications of the Crisis’ within specialised areas of public international law. Chapter 6 (Lentz) initiates this exploration with a meticulous empirical analysis, addressing a critical facet of the multilateralism crisis by investigating State withdrawals from international adjudicative bodies and scrutinising inter-State disputes across diverse legal domains. Chapter 7 (Fitzmaurice) offers a nuanced examination of the historical evolution of communitarian interests and their interface with multilateralism, aiming to bridge the divide between individual rights and social responsibilities, particularly in enhancing environmental protection standards.

In Chapter 8 (Pergantis), challenges impacting the pivotal role of trust in the effectiveness and legitimacy of Europe’s interconnected institutions take centre stage, with a particular focus on judicial cooperation in both the European Court of Human Rights and the European Union (EU). Chapter 9 (Nimark) delves into the crisis within nuclear non-proliferation, assessing potential ramifications and avenues for restoring credibility. Chapter 10 (Grzebyk and Wierczyńska) critically examines the intersection of multilateralism with the international criminal justice system, focusing on the challenges encountered by the International Criminal Court. Chapter 11 (Petersmann) presents a compelling analysis of the challenges in coordinating international actions amidst threats to the rule of law. Chapter 12 (Lawrence) challenges prevailing assumptions about the multilateral nature of the World Trade Organization regime, questioning dominant narratives about its current state. Chapter 13 (Żelazna) explores the potential synergy between bilateralism and multilateralism, focusing on the EU’s reforms of the investor–State dispute resolution system. Chapter 14 (Melillo) addresses the challenges of global health multilateralism, offering insights into the crisis of legitimacy faced by the World Health Organization and avenues for improvement. Chapter 15 (Zaręba) concludes Part II with a discussion of the significance of legitimacy for multilateralism, drawing lessons from a crisis surrounding the participation of the Russian delegation in the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly. Chapter 16 offers the editors’ comprehensive conclusion, which summarises the key findings of the various contributions and provides general reflections on the factors underlying the crisis, their dynamics and potential implications.

The book is an indispensable resource, offering a comprehensive analysis of the challenges facing the multilateral legal regime. Its interdisciplinary approach enriches the discourse, providing a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved. With each chapter adopting a rigorous and systematic methodology, the book offers thorough examinations of the many and varied facets of multilateralism and the legal order. Moreover, the integration of empirical evidence, particularly in Part II, enhances the credibility of the arguments presented, grounding theoretical assertions in tangible real-world data. By offering practical insights relevant to policymakers and practitioners in the fields of international law, political science and international relations, bridging theory with application, and encompassing a wide range of timely topics—from sovereignty concerns to global health crises—the book proves its relevance to contemporary global affairs. The contributions from experts in international law ensure a richness of perspective, making the book essential reading for scholars, policymakers and practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of the contemporary challenges facing the global legal order.

The book demonstrates significant strengths, offering comprehensive insights into the challenges facing contemporary multilateralism. The book’s deep engagement with legal and institutional theory may limit accessibility for readers outside academic or policy circles, particularly in the absence of contextual examples or simplified frameworks. The book could benefit from incorporating more diverse perspectives, particularly from regions outside the West, for a more comprehensive analysis. Additionally, the focus on analysis rather than providing concrete solutions may be considered a limitation. Despite these considerations, the book remains a valuable resource for all those seeking a critical approach to this subject, particularly given the diversity of perspectives that contribute to a truly comprehensive understanding.