The Future of International Cooperation and Law

As the world moves towards a multipolar order, competition and conflict between major powers United States and China are becoming increasingly influential. This paper examines the future of international relations as well as challenges for international law, multilateral institutions and cooperation on issues like climate change amidst a new bloc confrontation. It also argues that regional organizations such as ASEAN must remain independent and rally around common interests.

Prof. Dang Dinh Quy served as the Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam. The article is based on a paper titled “Multilateralism and International Law in a Turbulent World”. It was a contribution to the international conference “ASEAN in a Changing World” hosted by the Rosa-Luxemburg- Stiftung Hanoi Office and the Vietnam Peace and Development Foundation in November 2024.