Glossary · Plurilateral Diplomacy

Plurilateral Diplomacy

Diplomatic negotiation among several, but not all, eligible participants in a broader institution or policy domain.

Term type · Established practiceTypes of Diplomacy

Context

Plurilateral is frequently used for WTO agreements or initiatives undertaken by subsets of members; it does not mean bilateral or universal multilateral participation.

Why it matters for foreign affairs

Foreign ministries must manage participation rules, transparency, legal status and the relationship with non-participating states.

Where it appears in practice

The WTO describes plurilateral agreements that bind only participating members. Source