A Multipolar Order is the Future of the World and the End of Unilateralism

Report by Directorate for International Academic Cooperation—

Translated into English by Rasoul Firouzi

The Faculty of Law and Political Sciences at Allameh Tabataba'i University (ATU) hosted an international meeting of distinguished professors of International Law, Political Science, and International Relations with Professor Georgios Katrougalos, a university professor, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, and the UN Human Rights Council's Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order. The session was organized in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the university's Directorate for International Academic Cooperation.

The meeting was also attended by faculty members from ATU and guest professors from the University of Tehran, Shahid Beheshti University, Tarbiat Modares University, and Islamic Azad University. Professor Katrougalos began his address by emphasizing the importance of upholding the order established by the UN Charter in the current challenging era.

He pointed to the consequences of the United States' unilateralism, stating: "The countries of the Global South are not the only claimants for human rights and the preservation of international order; a significant portion of the population in the Global North also suffers from injustice in the distribution of wealth."

In another part of his speech, the UN Human Rights Council's Independent Expert outlined the future of the world, emphasizing the role of China and other BRICS member states. He remarked, "Contrary to American hegemony, the BRICS countries have an economy-focused approach and are not seeking to provoke wars." Citing a report he submitted to the Human Rights Council in 2024, Professor Katrougalos noted: "The future world will be built on a multipolar system, which will significantly reduce the possibility of unilateralism compared to a unipolar or bipolar system." 

Following his remarks, the attending professors expressed their views on the positions and statements of the UN Independent Expert. They specifically stressed that the UN special rapporteur on the international order is expected to adopt explicit and transparent positions regarding unilateralism in the use of force and unilateral coercive measures. Furthermore, they requested that opportunities be provided for the perspectives and viewpoints of the Global South to be reflected in his interactions with the academic community.