Answer

The liberal international order, once upheld by multilateralism and globalism, is witnessing a transformation as nations increasingly prioritize regional alliances and strategic autonomy. The rise of frameworks like RCEP and AUKUS, alongside disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war, signal a growing tilt towards regionalism in contemporary geopolitics.

Positives of the Shift from Globalism to Regionalism

• Enhanced Regional Cooperation: Regionalism encourages countries with shared geography and culture to cooperate on trade, security, and development, promoting stronger mutual interests.
  For example: The European Union has successfully enabled seamless trade and mobility among member states, promoting peace and prosperity across historically conflict-prone Europe.
• Localized Problem Solving: Regional blocs can address issues like climate change, migration, and piracy more efficiently with tailored, localized solutions.
  For example: ASEAN’s cooperation on haze pollution from forest fires in Indonesia shows how regional efforts can tackle environmental issues without global intervention.
• Efficient Decision-Making: Regionalism allows faster consensus-building and action compared to sluggish global forums burdened by diverse interests and bureaucracy.
  For example: The African Union’s swift suspension of Niger after the 2023 coup demonstrated quick regional consensus, unlike the often-delayed responses of the UN.
• Resilience Against Power Politics: It empowers smaller nations to negotiate collectively, reducing their vulnerability to dominance by global superpowers.
  For example: The Pacific Islands Forum has jointly resisted China’s security ambitions in the region, asserting their sovereignty and environmental priorities.
• Boosts Cultural Integration: Regionalism strengthens cultural bonds and people-to-people contacts, reinforcing soft power and shared identity among neighboring nations.
  For example: The SAARC Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka promotes regional art, literature, and heritage, fostering South Asian unity despite political hurdles.

Shortcomings of the Shift from Globalism to Regionalism

• Exclusionary by Nature: Regional blocs may ignore the interests of outsiders, leading to fragmented global responses to transnational issues like pandemics.
• Weak Internal Cohesion: Regional alliances often suffer from internal conflicts and mistrust, hindering meaningful collaboration and enforcement of agreements.
  For example: SAARC remains ineffective due to India-Pakistan tensions, blocking cooperation on trade, terrorism, and health despite shared regional needs.
• Dependency on Leaders: The success of regionalism often hinges on the vision and commitment of current political leaders, making progress inconsistent.
  For example: BIMSTEC’s lack of summits, only six in 28 years, reflects low prioritization by member leaders, slowing its growth and credibility.
• Limited Resources: Many regional groups lack funding, manpower, and technical capacity to implement ambitious agendas or maintain permanent institutions.
• Risks Strategic Balkanization: Excessive focus on regionalism can weaken global multilateralism, encouraging zero-sum alliances and parallel systems of governance.
  For example: The rise of AUKUS has drawn criticism for bypassing ASEAN, straining regional balance and undermining broader Indo-Pacific unity efforts.

How India Can Leverage the Transition in the IOR

• Champion Minilateral Forums: India should lead smaller, purpose-driven groupings like BIMSTEC to address regional issues swiftly and pragmatically.
• Invest in Connectivity Projects: Boosting infrastructure like ports, highways, and digital links will integrate the region economically and position India as the hub.
  For example: The Kaladan Multimodal Project aims to connect India’s northeast with Myanmar, improving trade routes and strategic depth in the IOR.
• Promote Maritime Diplomacy: India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision can secure vital sea lanes and promotes trust through naval cooperation.
  For example: India’s Humanitarian Assistance missions to Madagascar and Mozambique after cyclones showcased its role as a net security provider.
• Build Regional Institutions: India must push for institutionalizing mechanisms for climate resilience, anti-piracy, and trade facilitation across IOR nations.
  For example: India proposed a BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to institutionalize economic cooperation, though it awaits consensus and follow-through.
• Utilize Soft Power: Cultural diplomacy, scholarships, and healthcare partnerships can win hearts and minds, creating lasting goodwill in the Indian Ocean littoral.

“Think globally, act locally” aptly defines the emerging world order. India must strategically harness regional partnerships, strengthen maritime infrastructure, and champion inclusive multilateralism in the Indian Ocean Region. By becoming a net security provider and economic anchor, India can shape a resilient regional architecture aligned with its long-term geopolitical aspirations.

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