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A new architecture of solidarity: The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty in an age of weakened multilateralism

Author

Listed:
  • Thiago Lima
  • Adriana Erthal Abdenur

Abstract

Motivation The persistence of hunger and poverty amid deepening global inequality and declining multilateral cooperation underscores the need for new models of international solidarity. The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, launched during Brazil's presidency of the G20 in 2024, represents a significant innovation in global governance. It responds to widespread frustration with fragmented aid systems and the erosion of trust in traditional multilateral institutions. This analysis of its emergence offers insights into how middle‐ranking powers can advance development agendas within a fractured international order, as well as the risks and limitations involved. Purpose This study seeks to explain the political, geopolitical, and institutional conditions that enabled the creation of the Global Alliance. It asks how Brazil's foreign policy activism, combined with systemic crises in multilateralism, produced a governance model that redefines collective action at the global level against hunger and poverty. Approach and Methods The article employs a qualitative and interpretative approach, combining literature review and document analysis of policy documents. It also draws on the authors' previous roles as part of the Global Alliance coordination group. This mixed analytical‐empirical perspective allows for a grounded examination of Brazil's leadership strategy and the Alliance's architecture within the broader context of declining multilateralism. Findings The study finds that the Alliance's success lies in its pragmatic and flexible governance design. It mobilizes existing yet underused resources through a matchmaking mechanism linking national policy demands with international partners. By avoiding the creation of new bureaucracies or financial commitments, it has secured broad political support. However, its reliance on voluntary cooperation exposes it to geopolitical risks and potential co‐optation. Policy Implications The Alliance exemplifies a “post‐aid” approach to development cooperation, based on coordination, evidence‐based policy‐making, and shared ownership. Policy‐makers should support such adaptive, coalition‐based mechanisms that improve effectiveness within the constraints of fragmented global governance. Its early performance will determine whether this experiment can serve as a template for revitalizing international solidarity in the post‐multilateral era.

Suggested Citation

  • Thiago Lima & Adriana Erthal Abdenur, 2026. "A new architecture of solidarity: The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty in an age of weakened multilateralism," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 44(3), May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devpol:v:44:y:2026:i:3:n:e70071
    DOI: 10.1111/dpr.70071
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    3. Keohane, Robert O., 1986. "Reciprocity in international relations," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 40(1), pages 1-27, January.
    4. Nilima Gulrajani, 2022. "Development narratives in a post-aid era: Reflections on implications for the global effectiveness agenda," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2022-149, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
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