Weekly Blog - 11 July 2025 - Multilateralism
In a world that increasingly appears to be drifting towards isolationism and individual nationalism, we explore the crucial Christian case for continuing to support multilateralism and international cooperation.
British-French Summit
This week Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted French President Emmanuel Macron for the first state visit by an EU leader since Brexit. At the heart of their discussions was a significant step forward in multilateralism. Amongst other things, the two leaders announced plans for greater security and defence coordination, including the deployment and doctrine of their respective nuclear forces. The summit also addressed one of the most politically sensitive and controversial issues facing Europe today – migration (the subject of previous Arise blogs). Enhanced joint patrols and intelligence sharing were agreed, to tackle the rise in dangerous small-boat crossings across the English Channel. A pilot “one-in, one-out” scheme where migrants arriving in the UK would be returned to France in exchange for other migrants who already have family connections to the UK is also being proposed. Whatever we may think about the precise details of each of these areas, the spirit of solidarity and responsibility, particularly in areas where political pressures often drive division, points to the deeper significance of nations agreeing to work more closely together, of multilateralism, in our time.
The Christian Case for Multilateralism
Multilateralism is not just a diplomatic or political strategy; it is a profoundly Christian vision of how humanity is meant to live – in cooperation, humility, and shared purpose. In the life of the Trinity, we see perfect unity in diversity. In the early church, we see believers having all things in common, sharing resources so that no one among them was in need (Acts 2: 44; 4: 32). As Christians we are not meant to act alone but to “carry each other’s burdens”, as Paul writes in Galatians 6:2. Our world today faces challenges that no single nation can solve alone: conflict, poverty, climate change, and mass displacement. Each of these crises calls for a spirit of unity that mirrors the harmony we see the Bible point to. This is not about losing each nation’s individual culture, view point, heritage and individuality, but coming together and working closely with other nations, in common humanity and solidarity. As Christians we should be at the forefront of calling for a renewed spirit of multilateralism and cooperation in our increasingly fractured political age. Arise calls for this very strongly in the Arise Manifesto, our big picture, researched, Biblical, holistic and practical vision for a better world. (Arise Manifesto, pg 272 – 275)
Reducing Conflict and Upholding Peace
Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, saying, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). In this spirit, international cooperation on defence and security is not a compromise of sovereignty. When nations like the UK and France coordinate their defence strategies, they do more than safeguard their own citizens – they help preserve peace in an increasingly volatile world. This is particularly crucial in a time when new global threats – cyber warfare, rogue states, and emerging military technologies – require joint vigilance. By working together on nuclear oversight (and ultimately restraint, reduction and disarmament), countries reduce the risk of misunderstanding, escalation, and competition. (Arise Manifesto, pg 79 – 140)
Fighting Poverty and International Debt
The Bible’s call to care for the poor is unmistakable. In Amos 5:24, God says, “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” Economic justice today often depends on international structures that promote fair trade, equitable development, and debt relief. Multilateral agreements, such as those negotiated in global forums like the G7 or G20, allow wealthier nations to assist struggling economies through coordinated aid, loans, and debt forgiveness. Poverty is not only a local or national issue – it is global in scope. When nations pool their resources and align their economic strategies, they enable real transformation. (Arise Manifesto, pg 142 – 204)
Combatting Climate Change
In Genesis 2:15, humanity is given a sacred responsibility: to care for the Earth. Climate change is perhaps the most urgent area where multilateralism is essential. Greenhouse gases do not respect national borders. Rising seas, melting glaciers, and extreme weather events threaten communities around the globe – particularly the poorest and most vulnerable. Only through shared environmental commitments can nations reduce emissions, develop sustainable energy sources, and protect the ecosystems that sustain life. Agreements like the Paris Climate Accord are examples of how countries can lead together. As Christians we are called to protect creation not just as an ecological duty but as an act of worship and stewardship. (Arise Manifesto, pg 205 – 262)
Rising Isolationism: A Dangerous Drift
Over the past several years, the global trend has tilted toward nationalism and withdrawal. In particular, America’s increasing retreat from some global partnerships (under the Trump administration) like Gavi (the global vaccine alliance), the World Health Organisation, the UNFCCC climate negotiations, NATO and even the UN itself, all reflect a drift away from multilateral cooperation. These developments have weakened institutions that were designed to promote peace, prosperity, and shared responsibility. When we withdraw from the world, we risk abandoning our neighbours in their time of need. The recent UK–France summit potentially stands as a counter-narrative, reminding us that international partnerships are not relics of the past but vital tools for shaping a just and peaceful future.
Not Giving Up on Multilateralism: A Shared Commitment
There is an urgent need for Christians to advocate for continued engagement in multilateral efforts. Peacemaking requires unity. Justice demands coordination. Creation care needs shared action. Hospitality to the stranger depends on thoughtful, cooperative policies. We must pray for our leaders to have the wisdom and courage to pursue unity over division. We must support policies that reflect the values of compassion, stewardship, and justice. And we must engage, as churches and citizens, in the work of global partnership – through missions, advocacy, and education. When nations work together, they model the kingdom values of grace, reconciliation, and mutual flourishing.
Of course, working together internationally is difficult. It requires negotiation and compromise. Often it moves slowly, as indeed it must with multiple nations, viewpoints and interests, all of which must be respected. But ultimately multilateralism is not only possible – it is powerful. It leads to better security, fairer migration policies, more effective climate action, and a deeper commitment to shared human dignity. These agreements are not merely diplomatic victories; they are moral ones. They reflect our Christian belief that we are created by God, in his image, and called to live in peace with one another. Now is not the time to give up on multilateralism. Now is the time to reaffirm it. As Christians, we must be the salt and light Christ called us to be – agents of healing in a fractured world. Let us press on toward unity, knowing that in doing so, we reflect the heart of God.
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Arise Manifesto – Find out more about the importance of multilateralism and internation cooperation in the Arise Manifesto, Arise’s big picture, researched, Biblical, holistic and practical vision for a better world.
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