Multilateralism and Soft Diplomacy in EU-China Relations

The concept of multilateralism can mean different things. In practice, it is synonymous with complexity. Multilateralism is a tool for organising complexity and making it amenable to negotiation, by working towards a single negotiating text and goal. Many different theories have been developed to explain the internal dynamics of multilateral negotiations. These range from different international and integration theories to systems theory, decision theory, game theory, coalition theory, organisation theory, agenda setting, globalisation and new institutionalism, and so on. This multiplicity of theoretical approaches illustrates how diverse multilateral negotiation in practice relies on dynamic pluralised inputs and how different approaches identify the interplay between strategies and functionally linked management of power.