1) multilateralism does not imply the non-use of force. One can imagine circumstances in which one expects either universal agreement or the use of force being foreclosed as an option. But there are too many issues that matter to many members of the international community that include states that act as renegades and where the option of force to obtain compliance is clearly on the table. Multilateralism implies a cooperative enterprise among a set of countries but not necessarily all countries. And in some cases, force will be one of the options. Joint humanitarian intervention is a cooperative venture among the interveners but is clearly conflictual towards the miscreant country. To foreswear force Continue reading →