Conclusion

This chapter reflects on our observation that differential treatment has become more fragmented, individualized, and informal in light of global power shifts. In doing so, we first discuss our finding that systems of differential treatment for developing countries as a group are increasingly unmade, while pockets of resilience remain. Second, we revisit our main theoretical expectations and demonstrate the added value of a comprehensive explanatory framework that integrates rationalist, constructivist, and institutional perspectives. Third, we summarize and compare the different forms of unmaking and resilience we observe across the three regimes before, fourth, concluding with a reflection on implications for research on global power shifts and global order. Here, we touch upon debates on global power shifts and international institutions, global order and Global South countries, and a comparative perspective on differential treatment in international politics.