Reform and improvement are fundamental to any organisation in order to serve the needs of a changing environment. The UN is no exception. Two basic kinds of reforms faced by the UN: reform of the organisation’s structures and processes; and a review of issues that fall within the jurisdiction of the organisation. Almost everyone agrees that both aspects of reform are necessary. They cannot agree on precisely what is to be done, how it is to be done, and when it is to be done.

Core Areas for Reform

Structural and Processual Shifts: The calls for modernization of UN’s traditional structures and procedures have been growing louder.

• Security Council Overhaul: The heart of the discussion is modifying how the Security Council operates.
  • Expanding UN Security Council: Proposals strongly suggest widening its membership, both permanent and non-permanent, to make it more inclusive and representative of today’s global political dynamics.
  • Geographic Representation: Emphasis has been on increasing representation from continents like Asia, Africa, and South America.
  • Reform of UN Administrative Structure: Furthermore, US, alongside other Western allies, seeks to streamline the UN’s financial and administrative mechanisms.
• Expanding the UN’s Focus: As the world changes, so do its challenges and needs.
• Divergent UN Priorities: There’s a contention between member states that want the UN to dive deeper into peacekeeping and security endeavours and those advocating for its larger involvement in development and humanitarian missions such as health, education, and environment.

A Reflection on Historical Context

• Reflection of Post-War World: Established in 1945, UN’s foundational principles and operations were a mirror to the world’s political climate post-Second World War.
• End of Cold War brought about seismic geopolitical shifts:
  • The Soviet Union’s dissolution marked the end of an era.
  • America emerged as a singular dominant global force.
  • Russia, succeeding the Soviet Union, began fostering a more cooperative stance with the US.
  • China’s ascent as a global player, along with India’s significant strides in growth, reshaped the world order.
  • Asian economies surged ahead, marking a new chapter in global economics.
  • The UN expanded with the addition of nations that gained independence from the Soviet Union and Eastern European bloc.

Reform of UN’s Structures and Processes

The UN has seen widespread advocacy for reforms, but arriving at a unanimous decision about the nature of these changes has been challenging. Back in 1992, a landmark resolution by the UN General Assembly pinpointed significant issues with the Security Council:

• Lack of Representativeness: The Council’s composition and decision-making no longer mirrored the evolving political dynamics of the world.
• Western Dominance: Many felt that the Council’s decisions were heavily skewed by Western ideologies and were monopolized by a limited number of powerful countries.
• Inequitable Representation: A recurring complaint was the absence of equitable representation.
• Given these pressing concerns, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, in 1997, embarked on a mission to investigate possible avenues for UN reform.

Proposed Criteria for Membership in the Security Council

Over the years, a myriad of criteria have been proposed to determine the eligibility of new members. Suggestions include:

• The country should be a global economic powerhouse. (Refer to table 12.1)
• Possession of formidable military capabilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to the UN through financial contributions.
• Commanding a vast population, possibly indicating influence and responsibilities on the global stage.
• A proven track record of championing democratic values and human rights.
• Membership should enhance Council’s representation, encompassing various geographical areas, economic systems, and cultural backgrounds.
• These criteria, although valid, have been subjects of debate, with nations discerning advantages and challenges based on their unique geopolitical and strategic interests.

Question of Equitable Representation

One of the more contentious issues in this debate is how to ensure a fair and diverse representation within the Council:

• Geographical Basis: Would the best approach be a continental representation, or should it be further divided into regional or sub-regional allocations?
• Economic Factors: While geography is a prevalent metric, there are voices suggesting representation based on economic development tiers, implying more seats for the developing world.
• Cultural representation adds another layer of complexity. It’s a challenging endeavour to allocate seats based on cultural or civilizational distinctions, especially when most nations exhibit diverse cultural identities.

Controversial Veto Power and Its Implications

A significant point of contention in the reform dialogue is the unique veto power vested in the five permanent members: 

• Democratic Contradiction: There’s a growing sentiment that the veto mechanism contradicts the principles of democracy and sovereign equality.
• Origin: UN Charter originally granted this privilege to permanent members with the aim of fostering global stability post-World War II.
• Asymmetry of Power in the UN Security Council: While non-permanent members rotate every two years without the ability to wield the veto, permanent members have a unique capability to override decisions, irrespective of the majority’s stance.
• Intractability: The prospect of eradicating or modifying the veto system is rife with challenges. 
• Global Order: Although the Cold War era has concluded, the global landscape might not be prepared for such a drastic change.
• Indispensability of Major Powers: A UN without the involvement and commitment of major powers could risk rendering the organisation powerless and inconsequential.

Jurisdiction of the UN: An Analysis

Reflection on Membership and Historical Significance: The UN’s 60th anniversary in September 2005 was a crucial juncture where global leaders convened. 

• This meeting was essential not only to commemorate the organization’s rich history but also to re-evaluate its stand in a world that has drastically changed since its inception.

Key Resolutions for a Relevant UN

• Peacebuilding Commission: Introduction of this commission signalled the UN’s renewed commitment to global peace. However, its effectiveness is under scrutiny. 
  • World is riddled with conflicts, and prioritising them becomes an intricate task. (Refer to figure 12.3) 
• Protection Against Atrocities: International community recognised its role in stepping up when national entities falter in safeguarding their citizens. 
  • This acknowledgement, however, opens a plethora of questions about the extent and nature of such interventions.
• Human Rights Council: Operational since 19 June 2006, the council stands as a testament to the UN’s commitment to global rights. 
  • But, defining human rights universally and setting clear criteria for violations remain ambiguous.
• Ambitious Targets – Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): While the agreement on the MDGs reflects a unified vision, its realisation might be complex, considering diverse developmental stages of member countries.
• Zero Tolerance for Terrorism: The UN’s stance against terrorism in every shape and form is clear and absolute.
• Democracy Fund: In a world where democracy is under constant threat,  the inception of this fund showcases UN’s effort to foster and nurture democratic values globally.
• Conclusion of the Trusteeship Council: The decision to disband this council reflects the UN’s adaptability and its intent to phase out redundant structures.

UN’s Role Amidst Power Shifts

• US Hegemony: The ongoing debates around the UN’s structural and operational reforms are deeply rooted in a global aspiration: adapting organisation to navigate a landscape where US reigns supreme without equal competitors. 
• A counterbalance to Unilateral Power: An overarching question arises: can UN serve as an equilibrium, ensuring that no single nation’s power goes unchecked? 

US: A Powerhouse in the Global Landscape

• Emergence Post-Cold War: Post dissolution of Soviet Union, US carved its niche as an indomitable superpower, harnessing both economic and military dominance.
• Deepening Ties with the UN: US’s hefty financial contributions to the UN are not just charitable gestures. 
  • They strategically position the US, granting it leverage within the organisation. 
  • Moreover, having the UN headquartered in US’s territory and embedding its nationals within the UN framework enhances US’s sphere of influence.
• Strategic Veto Utilization: The US, with its veto prerogative, can curtail actions and decisions that diverge from its interests or those of its allies. 
  • This potency extends, implicitly and explicitly, to major decisions, including influential appointments such as that of the Secretary-General.
• Tactical Diplomacy: Within UN’s corridors, the US adeptly navigates, diluting or countering global dissent against its strategies or policies.

UN’s Broader Role Beyond Power Balancing

The UN isn’t merely a countermeasure to the US’s might. Instead, it crafts a neutral ground, enabling constructive engagements between the US and the global fraternity.

• Indispensable Role: Despite their occasional reservations about the UN, US policymakers can’t ignore the institution’s monumental role. 
• A Global Forum:  UN orchestrates dialogue among a diverse conglomerate of countries, fostering resolutions to conflicts and charting pathways for socio-economic advancements.
• Platform for Influence: For nations worldwide, UN’s chambers resonate with hope as a space where they can influence, negotiate, and sometimes even reshape US stances and decisions.

UN’s Relevance in Today’s Interwoven Global Fabric

• An Indispensable Pillar: The UN, with all its intricacies, stands as an irreplaceable pillar in our global community. 
  • In a world becoming progressively interconnected—a phenomenon we often describe as ‘interdependence’ a cohesive existence without an entity like the UN seems nearly inconceivable.
• Shared Responsibility: As technological advancements further intertwine our destinies, the UN’s relevance is destined to burgeon. 
  • It’s imperative for global communities and their respective leaders to collaboratively engage with and bolster the UN, ensuring it aligns with both individual national aspirations and the broader goals of global harmony.

India and the UN Reforms

India’s Advocacy for a Revamped UN

• Call for Reform: India ardently believes that current global scenario necessitates a revitalised and more robust UN. 
  • The nation perceives this evolution as essential to navigating the complexities of our ever-changing world.
• Core UN Mandate: India isn’t merely emphasising change; it’s highlighting the importance of development as a central theme. 
  • In India’s view, genuine international peace and security can only thrive when development is at heart of the UN’s agenda.

India’s Concern with  Security Council’s Composition

Over Security Council Structure: The unchanged structure of Security Council, in face of an expanding General Assembly, is a pivotal concern for India. 

• Council’s Representativeness: It sees this static nature as a potential detriment to the representative character of the Council.
• Historical context is essential: While the Council’s membership saw a modest increase from 11 to 15 in 1965, the count of permanent members remains untouched. 
• Greater Voice for Developing Countries: Given the dominant presence of developing countries in the General Assembly, India asserts that their voice should be influential in Security Council decisions.
• India’s Proposal: To make Council more attuned to current international landscape, India promotes addition of both permanent and non-permanent members. 
• Inclusive Security Council: Especially since Council’s activities have surged in recent years, India believes its actions must reflect a broader global consensus.
  • Clear Rationale: a more inclusive and representative Security Council will not only reflect the global demographic more accurately but also garner more widespread support.

India’s Bid for a Permanent Seat

Standing tall as the world’s largest population and as the beacon of the largest democracy, India aspires to solidify its position with a permanent seat in the Security Council.

• The legitimacy of India’s claim is bolstered by several factors:

• • Active Engagement: India’s active and substantial involvement in diverse UN initiatives stands as testament to its commitment.
  • Global Peacekeeper: The country’s unwavering and influential role in UN peacekeeping endeavours showcases its dedication to global peace.
  • Growing Global Influence: India’s burgeoning economic footprint on the global stage accentuates its significance.
    • Beyond diplomatic and strategic engagements, India has consistently upheld its financial commitments to the UN, showcasing its reliability.
  • Symbolic Importance: From a symbolic standpoint, a permanent seat is not merely a position but a reflection of a country’s stature in global geopolitics, a status India believes it has earned.

Roadblocks in India’s Aspiration

Despite India’s strong credentials, its path to permanent membership is riddled with reservations from several countries:

• India-Pakistan Tensions: India’s historical and ongoing conflicts with Pakistan serve as a significant point of contention.
• Nuclearization: The nuclear dimension of India’s defence strategy raises eyebrows and concerns among certain member nations.
• Questioning India’s Effectiveness: A segment of the international community believes that India’s tensions with Pakistan could compromise its efficacy as a permanent member.
• Domino Effect: If India is included, it might set a precedent for inclusion of other emerging powers. Countries like Brazil, Germany, Japan, and South Africa come to mind.
• Demand for Representation: A call for broader representation is also strong, with advocates emphasising need for voices from currently unrepresented continents, like Africa and South America, in any expansion.
  • Challenge: Piecing these concerns together, a consensus is clear: India’s journey to permanent membership is filled with challenges that demand intricate diplomatic navigation.

Conclusion

The chapter explored the roles and significance of the UN, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the WTO, and IAEA. From Its jurisdiction to balance they offer in a unipolar world, these institutions represent global efforts towards peace, development, and cooperation. The chapter emphasises the crucial role these organisations play in striving for a more equitable and just global order, echoing the initial focus on the challenges faced by the UN.

DOWNLOAD PDF