Abstract

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 peace building and conflict resolution, and shared threat perceptions, with regards to numerous strategically viable areas. The growing realization of the virtual deficiencies of singular organizations 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 organizations. 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 fervor 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.

Keywords: Geopolitical, Multifarious groupings, Minilaterals, Indo-Pacific, QUAD