Minilateral cooperation: the concept and main advantages and disadvantages of this type of partnership

The article is devoted to the study of minilateral cooperation of states, and, in particular, to determining its main advantages and disadvantages. It examines the origins of minilateralism and provides several definitions of this concept. In addition, the author highlights the basic conditions necessary for the formation of this type of cooperation. The interaction of the Baltic States within the framework of the Baltic Assembly is presented as an example of minilateral cooperation. As a result, it is concluded that despite the relatively recent emergence of “minilateralism” as a concept, it cannot be considered a new phenomenon. It is noted that minilateral interaction can be formed both within and apart from multilateral institutions. It is emphasized that over the past few years there has been an evolution of multilateral formats of international cooperation and the intensification of minilateral initiatives.