The BRICS Plus Challenge and Emerging Hierarchical Multilateralism

Abstract The expansion of “ BRICS Plus” indicates a more explicitly hierarchical world order. The putative equality of nation-states enshrined through the UN General Assembly’s one state–one vote formula is increasingly being eroded by neglect or through the emergence of unequal multilateral formats where rising powers have accorded themselves greater primacy in the new structures because of failures to gain greater shares of power or responsibility in global institutions. However, a more explicitly power-based order that dispenses with putative sovereign equality will be more unstable as the primary power-sorting mechanism will tend toward conflict. This article therefore calls for urgent reform for sustaining the multilateral rules-based order underpinned by the United Nations.