This background paper presents the context for the discussions at the event Multilateralism and International Organizations, of the project America in the World: the US foreign policy and the Brazilian view on the bilateral agenda, a partnership between CEBRI and the US Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro. He provides an overview of contemporary challenges and raises some motivating questions that will guide the debate on the topic in the webinar scheduled for this Wednesday. Read on and follow the webinar to join the discussions.