Sambhav-2025

Approach Begin by briefly introducing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and its role in maintaining global peace and security. Highlight how geopolitical realities have evolved. Suggest UNSC reforms. Conclude Suitably.

Introduction

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was established in 1945 with the primary responsibility of maintaining global peace and security. Its structure was designed to reflect the power dynamics of the post-World War II era, granting five permanent members (P5)—the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the Soviet Union (now Russia), and China—veto power. However, global power structures have significantly evolved since then, raising concerns about the UNSC’s legitimacy, effectiveness, and representativeness in addressing contemporary geopolitical challenges.

Body

Criticisms of the UNSC in Changing Global Power Dynamics

• Lack of Representation:
  • Countries like India, Brazil, South Africa, and Japan have gained significant economic, military, and diplomatic influence.
  • India, the world's fifth-largest economy and a nuclear power, contributes extensively to UN peacekeeping but lacks permanent representation.
  • Africa, with 54 UN member states, has no permanent seat despite facing the most security challenges.
• Shift from Eurocentric to Indo-Pacific Focus:
  • The center of geopolitical influence has moved from the Atlantic to the Indo-Pacific, driven by the rise of China, India, and ASEAN nations.
  • The USA-China strategic rivalry highlights the need for a broader security framework beyond the P5.
• Veto Power Misuse:
  • The P5 use their veto power to block resolutions that go against their national interests.
  • Examples:
    • Russia’s veto on resolutions condemning its invasion of Ukraine (2022).
    • The USA’s vetoes on Palestinian issues in the Middle East.
• Failure to Address Global Conflicts Effectively:
  • The UNSC has been criticized for inaction in major humanitarian crises, such as:
    • The Syrian Civil War (deadlock due to Russian vetoes).
    • The Rohingya crisis in Myanmar (China’s veto protection for Myanmar).
    • The Israel-Palestine conflict, where repeated US vetoes have stalled resolutions.
• New Security Challenges:
  • Contemporary threats like cybersecurity, climate change, transnational terrorism, and pandemics require a more inclusive and representative UNSC.

Key Proposals for UNSC Reform

• Expansion of Permanent Membership:
  • Inclusion of emerging powers like India, Brazil, Germany, Japan, and African nations.
  • India has strong credentials: world’s largest democracy, nuclear power, and major UN peacekeeping contributor.
• Limiting or Abolishing the Veto Power:
  • Reducing the P5’s ability to block resolutions unilaterally.
  • Adopting a two-thirds majority system to override vetoes in humanitarian crises.
• Improved Regional Representation:
  • Allocating permanent seats for Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East to reflect regional concerns.
  • Example: The African Union (AU) has consistently demanded greater representation.
• Making the UNSC More Transparent and Accountable:
  • Greater consultation with the UN General Assembly in decision-making.
  • Reforms to ensure timely and effective responses to crises.

Conclusion

The current UNSC structure is outdated and does not reflect the realities of a multipolar world. Without reforms, the UNSC risks losing credibility and effectiveness in addressing global security challenges. While achieving reforms is difficult, a more representative and democratic UNSC is essential for maintaining global peace, stability, and fairness in the international order.