Four different types of multilateralists
Although the level of support for international cooperation and multilateralism are generally high in the overall population, digging deeper reveals some clear differences. From qualitative interviews, the rheingold institute and the Bertelsmann Stiftung were able to identify four types of multilateralists:
- Regional Isolationists are characterized by individual self-interests. "Me first" (16% of Germany's population)
- Assertive Nationalists pay attention to the promotion of national self-interests. "Germany first" (10% of Germany's population)
- International Equality Watchdogs would like there to be more global equality. "Justice for all" (43% of Germany's population)
- Global Cosmopolitans want a world that is diverse but based on shared values. "Unity in diversity" (31% of Germany's population)
Their degree and motivations for supporting international cooperation vary widely. Almost three-quarters (74 percent) are found among the "International Equality Watchdogs" and the "Global Cosmopolitans". They care about the welfare of the entire world, and their frame of reference extends far beyond their own country's borders. Their view of the UN is very positive, and they are big supporters of international cooperation. "The majority of them are convinced that the world needs the UN," Tillmann says.