Belgium’s multilateral policymaking in the age of global uncertainty: the strive for coherence and consistency through network governance
(2025) Politics of the Low Countries — Vol. 7, n° 1, p. 1-26 (2025)
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- Abstract
- The effects of globalisation have an impact on Belgium’s multilateral policymaking. The nature of foreign policy has evolved, as has the Kingdom’s architecture. Several risks then arise, increased by domestic political fragmentation. Coherence and consistency seem difficult to maintain, as exemplified by internal stalemates or assent procedures on free trade agreements. Purpose. The article aims to map the stakes and current developments to offer insight into the forthcoming 2025-2029 legislature. Design/methodology/approach. The article is designed to study key concepts such as federalisation, decentralisation and fragmentation. They each bring a different angle to understanding Belgium’s multilateral policymaking. The analysis is built on a mixed approach. Field observations and semi-structured interviews add qualitative insights to the existing literature. Findings. The article shows that Belgium’s plural and complex State foster coherence and consistency for its multilateral action through coordination. The Ministry of foreign Affairs takes a central role in what constitutes a network governance linking federated entities and technical ministries. Domestic centres of interest or the role the country takes at the international level certainly have an impact on the process. Originality/value. The article sheds light on Belgium’s coordination of its multilateral policymaking through field observations on a little-known structure: Coormulti. Furthermore, the study of network governance adds theoretical background to the existing literature on the analysis of Belgium’s foreign policy.
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Xia, E. (2025). Belgium’s multilateral policymaking in the age of global uncertainty: the strive for coherence and consistency through network governance. Politics of the Low Countries, 7(1), 1-26. https://doi.org/10.54195/plc.21808 (Original work published 2025)