Justin Vaïsse on global governance and multilateralism

At a time when global governance is polarized, France has remained a staunch supporter of multilateralism and has been dedicated to promoting multilateralism around the world. One of the multilateral mechanisms in France is the Paris Peace Forum (PPF), a platform that seeks to find multilateral solutions to global governance issues. The Forum was created in 2018 with the support of President Emmanuel Macron and the European Union.

Since China and France have been long-term partners in promoting multilateralism, a top-level engagement between the two countries will soon take place, as French President Macron is expected to arrive in Beijing on April 5, accompanied by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. At the advent of President Macron’s visit, Justin Vaïsse, Founder and Director-General of the Paris Peace Forum, was invited by Center for China & Globalization to give a speech on Tuesday on multilateralism and global governance.

Photo taken on April 4, 2023 shows Justin Vaïsse, Founder and Director-General of the Paris Peace Forum, giving a speech on global governance and multilateralism at the Center for China & Globalization (CGG) in Beijing. (Wang Jinhong/Guangming Picture)

In his speech, Vaïsse made five points on the future of global governance in a polarized world. He stated that first, there is a demand for more global rules, pushed by universal issues like climate change, disappearing biodiversity, dangerous pandemics, space governance, and rapid technological advancement. Second, competition among countries can be good if it is kept in check, as competition can push for faster development in different areas, such as in the space industry. Third, more often than not, competition among countries can become harmful and dangerous. Hence, they need to be regulated to avoid zero-sum situations. Fourth, the current global situation calls for leadership from the US, China, and Europe to form a triangular relationship to cooperate together. Finally, civil society must play a role in solving global problems, as inter-governmental cooperation by itself is limited and insufficient. He believes organizations that operate outside of governmental bodies, like the PPF, also have an important role to play in global cooperation.

Afterward, Vaïsse engaged in a discussion with CCG President, Wang Huiyao, to delve deeper into the topic of global governance. During the conversation, Vaïsse emphasized the significance of people-to-people contact in the post-COVID society, as it opens the door for deeper discussions among countries. This is anticipated in the meeting between Chinese President Xi and French President Macron, with discussions on the issues of the Ukraine crisis, space governance, climate change, and so forth. In addition, Vaïsse urged for “triangular discussions” between the US, China, and Europe to prevent potential conflicts. Since the current sentiment in Washington is strongly anti-China, he emphasized that the doors for conversation between China and the US must be kept open, and Europe can act as a balancing force between the two countries.

Photo taken on April 4, 2023 shows Justin Vaïsse in dialogue with Wang Huiyao, Founder and President of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) in Beijing. (Wang Jinhong/Guangming Picture)

Concluding the conversation, Vaïsse repeated that while the East and the West have their differences, it is necessary to “focus on cooperation”. Wang also insisted that Europe and China must take the initiative to communicate, and believed that the upcoming meeting between Chinese and French leaders will “be another big step in the right direction for improving China-EU relations, and stabilizing the world.”

Photo taken on April 4, 2023 shows Justin Vaïsse answering questions from the audience at the Center for China & Globalization (CGG) in Beijing. (Wang Jinhong/Guangming Picture)

From GMW.cn, 2023-4-4