Trilateralism (English – Trilateralism) Is an ideological and political concept that is based on the idea of __common goals, values __and interests of industrially developed democratic countries. The main centers of the capitalist world in the post-war period were the USA, Western Europe and Japan, which coordinated their positions on global issues. The ideology of trilateralism developed in the context of „concepts of interdependence" and globalization, and also proposed a certain model of global governance based on collective leadership. Trilateralism as an ideological and political platform was also aimed at consolidating Western allies and confronting the Soviet Union in the context of the Cold War. The Trilateral Commission became the main spokesman for the ideas of trilateralism.

History of origin

The ideology of trilateralism took shape after World War II against the backdrop of the growing economic and political influence of the West. In the postwar period, the United States initiated the Marshall Plan and took an active part in the formation of NATO, as well as the creation of new economic institutions – the World Bank, the IMF, which became the basis of the Bretton Woods system. During that period, the ideology of Atlanticism developed, which contributed to the strengthening of cooperation between the United States and European allies on the basis of common interests and values. Japan was not yet a member of the alliance of advanced industrial democracies, but continued to increase its economic influence in the world.

In 1973, the Trilateral Commission was created, which brought together politicians, businessmen and experts from the three largest centers of the development of capitalism – the United States, Western Europe and Japan. The activities of the new organization were of a global nature, focused on coordinating the interests and goals of the capitalist countries on socio-economic and political issues. The Trilateral Commission, the Bilderberg Club and the Council on Foreign Relations became the main ideologues of trilateralism. The initiators of the creation of the Trilateral Commission and, accordingly, the promotion of the ideology of trilateralism were David Rockefeller and Zbigniew Brzezinski. US President Jimmy Carter has also expressed his commitment to the idea of __"triangular engagement"

Basic principles

At the initial stage, the three most important principles of trilateralism were:

recognition of the interdependence of the world, the possibility of joint „tripartite" regulation of the processes of economic integration of capitalist countries;

expediency of interaction and economic cooperation between the USA, Western Europe and Japan as the main centers of world development;

recognition and opening of the Third World, solution of the North-South issue.

Fyodor Voitolovsky believes that the basis of trilateralism is the Atlanticist ideology and the need to solve global problems, which manifested itself in the expansion of the research problems of the Trilateral Commission.The ideology of trilateralism assumed the formation of a new system of global governance, in which developed capitalist countries would play a major role. This statement was justified by the fact that the United States, Western Europe and Japan have reached a high level of „tripartite unity", which allows them to effectively interact in solving global problems in the context of the growing interdependence of the world.

Some experts and scholars believe that the ideas of the „trilateral dialogue" are connected with the purposeful policy of the West to achieve world leadership.

Hawley Sklar wrote about the following ideological attitudes of trilateralism:

the people, governments and economies of all countries must serve the interests of transnational banks and corporations;

in modern politics, power means control over resources;

Western countries seek to subordinate the rest of the world to their interests, curb the economic growth of developing countries and maintain their dependence (as opposed to the concept of „interdependence").

The ideology of trilateralism and the Trilateral Commission are also seen as a form of hegemony within the international political and economic system. It is noted that trilateralism was aimed at creating a „dominant ideology" with the help of which the most developed capitalist countries justified the creation of a world order that would be beneficial to them. This refers not only to economic and political power, but also to cultural hegemony. The Trilateral Commission supported a certain form of communication between the capitalist centers of power: meetings and seminars were held at the level of political elites and the political-academic community, analytical reports were published, and journals and collections were published. („Trialogue"). The Trilateral Commission was both an international think tank and a discussion club, within the framework of which the ideological and political program of trilateralism was formed.

Criticism

Critics of the ideology of trilateralism point to the inequality of opportunities and political status of the countries participating in the „trilateral dialogue", in which the United States occupies a leading place. The US attempts to use trilateral mechanisms as a tool to advance its national interests are noted.

Also, this concept is considered by some authors as a conspiracy theory. The Trilateral Commission was created on the initiative of the American banker and billionaire David Rockefeller. The main members of the organization are the most influential representatives of the financial and economic elite, who seek to establish a monopoly order, control over resources and their own economic gain. In addition, doubts were expressed about the strength of the „trilateral unity" and the commitment of representatives of the political, financial and economic elite of the United States, Western Europe and Japan to the ideas of trilateralism.

Ideas are expressed that trilateralism is limited and elitist. There are calls for a rethinking of trilateralist ideas and the creation of an alliance between the United States, Western Europe and Japan in a broader context with the involvement of regional organizations.

Relevance

Today, the ideas of trilateralism are not very widespread. There are proposals to form a new political and economic triangle „US-EU-South Korea" or „US-EU-China". The structure of the organization of the Trilateral Commission is changing: the transition from individual countries to regions. New members join the organization – since 2009, the Asia-Pacific group also includes China and India. The Trilateral Commission continues to exist, calling for joint action to address global challenges.