Renaissance for Renewal and Improved Performance: The Necessity of Reforming the UNSC to Meet the Stakes of The Age

Renaissance for Renewal and Improved Performance: The Necessity of Reforming the UNSC to Meet the Stakes of the Age

Stephen Ajanga Obah Echochu

Department of International Relations and Conflict Resolution at the University of Buea, South West Region, Cameroon.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.802120

Received: 18 January 2024; Revised: 08 February 2024; Accepted: 13 February 2024; Published: 17 March 2024

ABSTRACT

The world is facing the most severe accumulation of serious international security failures in recent times. This has challenged the ability of the UNSC to effectively instill international peace and security in the globe. The numerous conflicts in the world such as in Libya, Syria, and Afghanistan, and the recent war in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza, have precipitated a worrisome erosion of the ability of the UNSC to instill international peace and security in the present age. The article examined the necessity of reforming the UNSC in other to improve its performance and to meet the stakes of the age. Using the qualitative research approach with the secondary data, and applying the Veto Power Theory, the study revealed that the UNSC faces serious challenges in carrying out its duty effectively. These challenges include a lack of consensus among UN Security Council members, the rise of non-state actors and terrorism, the veto power and political deadlock, lack of regional representation, limited enforcement mechanisms, global power shifts and geopolitical rivalries, prolonged conflicts, and peacekeeping. Also, the study unveiled that the challenges impeding the process of reforming the UNSC include, the veto power, political interests and geopolitics, complex reform process, and lack of consensus on reform models. The article concluded by presenting ways to reform the UNSC. This includes expanding the membership of the UNSC, reforming the veto power system of the Security Council, enhancing cooperation between the UNSC and regional organizations, and Ensuring regional representation in the UNSC membership.

Key Words: Renaissance, Renewal, Improved Performance, Reforming, UNSC

INTRODUCTION

The United Nations Security Council is a fraction of the United Nations that was created to facilitate and help implement the goals and objectives of the UN (UN, 2020). The organ which is the strongest within the UN was empowered to police other nations to scrupulously respect the goals and objectives of the UN. The goals were aimed to promote international peace and security; protect succeeding generations from the scourge of war which twice in the lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind; To reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of human persons, in equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small; To establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained; and to promote social progress and a better standard of life in large freedom (Ylönen, 2019).

The world is facing serious international security failures in recent times. This has tested the ability of the UNSC to effectively instill international peace and security in the globe. The many conflicts in the world such as in Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, and recently the war in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza, have occasioned a bothersome corrosion of the ability of the UNSC to instill international peace and security. Thus, the UNSC is faced with the challenges of conflict dynamics. This stems from the fact that after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, the conflict dynamics changed from interstate conflict to intrastate conflict, making things very difficult for the UNSC to perform effectively (Acharya et al., 2020). Nevertheless, even with the interstate state conflict in recent times, like the war in Ukraine and Gaza, it is still difficult for the UNSC to perform.

The current composition and functioning of the UNSC have been criticized for being inadequate and outdated, as it fails to adequately represent the diverse perspectives and priorities of the international community (Rablen, 2017). In the present age, where global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and economic inequality are posing significant threats to sustainable development, the necessity to reform the UNSC has become more pressing than ever. This calls for a renaissance of reforming the UNSC to meet the stakes of the age, which involves identifying the key issues and concerns that need to be addressed, devising effective strategies for reform, and engaging with diverse stakeholders to build support for changes that reflect the evolving realities of our time. Such reforms would be critical in ensuring that the UNSC remains relevant, effective, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the global community and achieves its ultimate goal of promoting sustainable peace and security worldwide.

Objectives of the Study

The article is guided by the following objectives:

• To identify the major challenges facing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in the current global political and security landscape.
• To assess the underlying factors that continue to hinder the progress of the UNSC reform.
• To examine ways that the UNSC can be transformed into a more effective and representative body, capable of addressing complex and multifaceted security challenges such as terrorism, cyber warfare, climate change, and human rights violations.

METHODOLOGY

The article is anchored purely on the qualitative research approach with a keen interest in reforming the United Nations Security Council. The UN member states constitute the population of the study and the secondary source of data was utilized in the study. The Secondary source of data collection consists of reviewing books, and articles in journals, newspapers, magazines, and the Internet. Also, the researcher made use of observations as a means of data collection. The researcher follows the occurrence of events within the UNSC and the contemporary conflicts around the globe. Finally, the findings are analyzed and presented thematically based on the data obtained from the investigation.

Theoretical Framework

The article systematically made use of the Veto Player Theory. This theory was propounded by George Tsebelis in the year 2002. The Veto Player Theory provides probably the most general political explanation for policy stability and change across different regime types, party systems, and legislative types, accounting for the political actor’s policy preferences and institutional constraints. The concept of Veto Player is a political actor who can decline a choice being made. Specifically, in Tsebelis’ analysis, a veto player can stop a change from the status quo (Tsebelis 2002: 4). This is analogous to players in a bargaining game where all players must reach an agreement. The Veto Player approach has come to occupy a central place in comparative politics. George Tsebelis stands for the most elaborate and prominent approach. His “Veto Player Theory” has been used to analyze policy output and outcomes within political systems and political institutions (Ganghof 2003: 1).

The theory maintains that the shape of legislative policies is influenced (only) by veto players. The veto players will use their power to further their interests and hence veto policies that go against these interests. Therefore, if many players have substantially different interests, they will likely find it difficult to agree on a change in the present policy. Hence, the status quo prevails (Ganghof 2003: 2-3). Tsebelis` veto player theory has mainly been used to study political outcomes within the European Union. The theory uses the notion of veto players to build a comprehensive rational-choice institutionalist theory of comparative political institutions (Gangh of, 2003: 7-8). It claims that a political system’s potential for policy change mainly depends on several factors, (1) the number of veto players, (2) the distances between these players’ and policy ideal points, and (3) the player`s internal cohesion.

The Veto Player Theory postulates that the presence of veto players, who possess the ability to block policy changes, can hinder significant reforms within a political system. In the context of the UNSC, the five permanent members (P5) – the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China – possess veto power, which grants them the ability to block any substantive resolutions or reforms proposed within the council. This article highlights the inherent need to adapt and address the current global challenges effectively. However, the article argues that the existing structure of the UNSC, with its veto power dynamics, hampers the council’s ability to reform and make crucial decisions due to the potential reluctance or resistance of certain veto-holding nations. By applying the Veto Player Theory to the article’s argument for reforming the UNSC, we can understand that the current veto power structure, which precludes substantial changes without the consent of the P5, acts as a barrier to meeting the stake of the age. This theory’s relevance lies in highlighting how the veto players can impede attempts to bring necessary reforms to address global issues adequately, which requires collective decision-making and collaboration.

Challenges Faced by the United Nations Security Council in the Current Global Political and Security Landscape

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) encounters various challenges in the current global political and security landscape. These challenges arise due to the dynamic nature of international affairs, diverging national interests, and the complexities of resolving conflicts effectively. In this response, the article outlines some of the key challenges faced by the UNSC. Some of these challenges can be attributed to a variety of factors, including shifting power dynamics, competing national interests, and systemic deficiencies within the institution itself.

1). Lack of Consensus Among UN Security Council Members

Many of the conflicts in the world directly involve one of the Security Council’s veto-wielding members. This has made the UN inevitably unable to mount a muscular response to aggressors. For example, during the first week of Russia’s war on Ukraine, many member states stood ready to denounce the invasion (although some, like China and India, hung back) but there were limits to what they could do. Russia prevented meaningful action in the Security Council, and while the General Assembly passed a series of condemnatory resolutions, these had only modest real-world consequences. The escalation of the war has demonstrated the institution’s powerlessness and its members’ pusillanimity. Some of Russia’s opponents and Ukraine itself – have called for fundamental reforms to the organization (Rablen, 2017). Yet, although the United Nations system may have shown unexpected resilience in 2022, it has also demonstrated severe and worsening vulnerabilities (International Crisis Group, 2022). A report by the International Crisis Group highlights the lack of consensus among the Security Council members as a major challenge in resolving the current global political and security threats.

2) The Rise of Non-State Actors and Terrorism

The rise of non-state actors, transnational terrorism, and extremist groups present significant challenges to global security. These groups often operate across borders and pose a threat to both national and international security. The UNSC struggles to develop a consensus on robust counterterrorism measures due to underlying political differences (Muggah et al., 2019).

Conferring to Bjola and Kornprobst (2017), opined that the rise of non-state actors poses a momentous difficulty to the UNSC. Terrorist organizations, transnational criminal networks, and armed militias operate outside the traditional framework of state sovereignty, making it difficult for the UNSC to effectively address these threats. Additionally, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the difficulties posed by cyber warfare further complicate the UNSC’s efforts to maintain global peace and security.  Barnett (2017) added that the rise of non-state actors, such as terrorist groups and organized crime networks, poses new challenges for the UNSC. These actors operate across borders and challenge traditional notions of state-centric security, requiring innovative approaches to address transnational threats.

3) Veto Power and Political Deadlock

The UNSC’s structure includes five permanent members with veto power, which can lead to political deadlocks and hinder progress in addressing global crises. The veto power allows these nations to obstruct resolutions that may challenge their interests. This poses a challenge to the effective decision-making process within the UNSC (Nikolova, 2019). Conferring to the report by the International Crisis Group (ICG), they lamented that the veto power wielded by some members (most especially Russia) of the Security Council has made things difficult for the UNSC to reach an agreement on measures that could help resolve conflicts in the world (ICG, 2019).

The process of reforming the UNSC has been a contentious issue within the international community. The underlying political dynamics reflect the competing interests of member states seeking to secure or enhance their influence and avoid dilution of power. This has resulted in political deadlock and a lack of progress on the UNSC (Panke and Veseli, 2017). For instance, geopolitical rivalries between major powers, such as the United States, China, and Russia, have thwarted efforts to expand the Council’s permanent membership, with each country having its reservations and concerns (Cherian, 2018).

Moreover, the veto power held by the permanent members of the UNSC presents another major challenge. The veto power allows any of the five permanent members to block any resolution, even if it enjoys overwhelming support from the rest of the Council (Mehta, 2019). This has in many instances led to deadlock on crucial issues, impeding effective decision-making and the Council’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging security threats (Doyle and Sambanis, 2006).

4) Lack of Regional Representation

The current composition of the UNSC does not adequately represent the geopolitical realities of the 21st century. Many countries feel unrepresented, particularly those from Africa, Latin America, and Asia. They argue for increased representation to ensure a more equitable distribution of power within the UNSC. This lack of regional representation undermines the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Council. Jordaan (2003) highlights the issue of underrepresentation and its implications for the UNSC’s authority.

The lack of regional representation is another challenge faced by the UNSC. The composition of the Council does not adequately reflect the current geopolitical realities and power distribution among nations. Certain regions, such as Africa, Latin America, and Asia, are underrepresented or not represented at all among the permanent members. This imbalance raises concerns about the legitimacy and inclusivity of the Council’s decision-making processes. As a result, regions that are directly affected by global conflicts and security challenges often find their voices marginalized or ignored. To illustrate the lack of regional representation, we can refer to the work of Ramesh Thakur, former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations. Thakur argues that the absence of permanent members from Africa and a lack of proper representation for Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East undermines the legitimacy and fairness of the UNSC, limiting its ability to effectively address global security challenges (Thakur, 2006).

Mazrui (2012) also lamented that the structure of the UNSC does not adequately reflect the current global political landscape. Many countries argue that the council lacks representation from regions such as Africa, Latin America, and Asia, which undermines the legitimacy and effectiveness of the council.

5) Limited Enforcement Mechanisms

While the UNSC possesses the authority to enforce its resolutions, it often faces challenges in implementing them effectively. This could be due to a lack of consensus among member states, limited resources for enforcement, or non-compliance from states involved in the conflict. Such limitations undermine the credibility and effectiveness of the UNSC (Fassbender, 2018).

Limited enforcement mechanisms further compound the challenges faced by the UNSC. While the Council has the authority to impose sanctions, authorize peacekeeping missions, and even authorize the use of force, the implementation and enforcement of its decisions heavily rely on the cooperation and willingness of member states. If key actors refuse to comply or actively undermine the Council’s resolutions, the effectiveness of its decisions becomes compromised. This undermines the credibility of the UNSC in addressing global security issues and achieving its objectives. Regarding limited enforcement mechanisms, Ponzio (2010) emphasizes in his research that without robust enforcement mechanisms, the UNSC’s decisions often lack teeth and fail to bring about tangible results. Ponzio highlights how the inability to enforce resolutions can hinder the Council’s effectiveness in addressing conflicts and maintaining global peace and security (Ponzio, 2010).

6) Global Power Shifts and Geopolitical Rivalries

One of the key challenges faced by the UNSC is its outdated structure that no longer reflects the current geopolitical reality. Since the establishment of the UN in 1945, the global power distribution has drastically changed, with the rise of new powers and the relative decline of others. The UNSC’s permanent membership, consisting of five states (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), does not adequately represent the power dynamics of the 21st century (Crutzen, 2018). This limitation hampers the Council’s ability to effectively address global challenges and undermines its legitimacy (Vreeland, 2020).

The shifting power dynamics and geopolitical rivalries among major global actors exacerbate the challenges faced by the UNSC. These dynamics impact the ability to reach unanimous decisions and cooperate on key issues. The rise of new major powers and their differing agendas sometimes lead to divisions within the UNSC, resulting in limited action or inaction on critical global issues (Hurrell, 2007). The council’s composition reflects the global power structure of the mid-20th century, with only 15-member states representing the entire international community. This lack of representation undermines the legitimacy and effectiveness of the UNSC in addressing global security challenges (Bianchi, 2019).

The UNSC operates in a world characterized by power politics and geopolitical rivalries among major powers. These rivalries often result in divisions and gridlock within the council, making it difficult to reach consensus on critical issues (Barnett, 2017).

7) Prolonged Conflicts and Peacekeeping

One challenge faced by the UNSC is the management of prolonged conflicts and peacekeeping operations. As conflicts become protracted, they not only strain the resources of the UNSC but also hinder the achievement of peace and stability. According to the United Nations Peacekeeping, there has been an increase in the number of complexes, multidimensional peacekeeping operations that require the UNSC’s attention (United Nations Peacekeeping, 2021).

Contemporary conflicts often involve complex dynamics, such as civil wars, terrorism, and regional power struggles. The UNSC faces challenges in effectively addressing these conflicts and determining appropriate courses of action, including the use of military intervention (Bellamy and Williams, 2011).

the UNSC faces numerous challenges in the current global political and security landscape. These challenges encompass conflicts, peacekeeping, political deadlocks, terrorism, limited enforcement mechanisms, and shifting power dynamics. Addressing these challenges requires ongoing diplomatic efforts, the promotion of dialogue, and reform within the UNSC to ensure its efficacy in maintaining international peace and security.

Factors that Continue to Hinder the Progress of Reforming the UNSC

There has been a growing realization that the structure and operations of the UNSC need to be reformed to better align with the contemporary geopolitical landscape. In the current global political and security landscape, the UNSC faces numerous challenges and obstacles that hinder its effectiveness and the potential for reform. Some key factors blocking the reforming of the UNSC include:

1. The Veto Power of the Five Permanent Members (P5)

One of the main hurdles to UNSC reform is the issue of veto power held by the five permanent members (P5). The veto power allows any of the P5 to block resolutions that conflict with their national interests. This makes it difficult to reach a consensus and blockade efforts to expand the permanent membership or alter the existing power structure. In line with Hans Köchler (2004), he thinks that the “veto power” of the five permanent members is a fundamental impediment to UNSC reform.

Bosco (2009) submitted that the veto power held by the five permanent members of the UNSC (the United States, France, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom,) is a significant factor blocking the reform process of the UNSC. The veto power allows these members to block any proposed changes to the UNSC that they perceive as against their national interests. This has created a deadlock situation, as any reform proposal requires the support of these permanent members.

The Veto Player Theory is highly relevant to understanding the challenges associated with the reforming of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in the context of the article on the Renaissance for Renewal and Improved Performance. The theory posits that institutional change is difficult when there are powerful actors who can veto proposed reforms. In the case of the UNSC, the five permanent members (P5) – the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom – hold veto power, which allows them to block any resolution or decision, even if it has widespread support from other member states. This creates a significant hurdle for introducing reforms that might alter the power dynamics and decision-making processes within the UNSC (Thakur, 2006).

2. Political Interests and Geopolitics

Another significant factor impeding UNSC reform is the diverging political interests and geopolitical rivalries among states. Major powers aspire to maintain their influence and prevent potential rivals from gaining more power within the UNSC. Fravel (2010) argues that states with regional ambitions are hesitant to support UNSC expansion due to concerns about diluting their influence. An influence they want to maintain without any competition within the region.

The current permanent members of the UNSC have vested interests in maintaining the status quo. They benefit from their privileged positions and may be reluctant to share power and influence with emerging powers or regional blocs. This self-interest has created resistance to reform efforts (Bosco, 2009). Also, the geopolitical rivalries among major powers can impede the reform process of the UNSC. For example, the rivalry between India and Pakistan has hindered progress on expanding permanent membership to include India, as Pakistan fears that it would upset the regional balance of power (Mazrui, 2012).

3. Complex Reform Process

The process of reforming the UNSC is inherently complex and requires the support of a two-thirds majority in the General Assembly (Adedeji, 2020). This process involves negotiations, compromises, and coordination among member states, which often proves challenging due to conflicting national interests and divergent perspectives on reform. Chirwa and Odumosu-Ayanu (2016) emphasize the arduous and protracted nature of the reform process.

The procedural rules and decision-making mechanisms within the UN also pose challenges to reform. This procedural hurdle adds complexity to the reform process, making it very difficult or impossible (Krasner, 2018).

4. Lack of Consensus on Reform Models

There is no consensus among member states on the specific model of UNSC reform. Some propose increasing the number of permanent members, while others advocate for expanding the number of non-permanent members. Additionally, debates persist on issues such as regional representation, veto power, and the inclusion of emerging powers. These divergent opinions impede progress toward a comprehensive reform package. Bercovitch and Thompson (2014) underline the lack of agreement on reform models.

According to Krasner (2018), reforming the UNSC requires consensus among the 193-member states of the United Nations. However, reaching a consensus on the specific details of reform, such as the expansion of permanent membership or the allocation of regional seats, has proven to be a challenging task. Different countries have varying priorities and interests, leading to a lack of agreement.

In conclusion, several factors hamper reform efforts within the UNSC, including the veto power of the P5, competing geopolitical interests, lack of regional representation, the complexity of the reform process, and disagreements on reform models. Overcoming these challenges requires extensive diplomatic efforts, political will, and compromises among member states to ensure a more inclusive, representative, and effective UNSC.

Strategies for Enhancing the Effectiveness and Representation of the UN Security Council

There has been an ongoing debate about the need to reform the UNSC to better reflect the current global political landscape and address the challenges of the age. This section of the article discusses various ways to reform the UNSC.

• Expand the Membership of the UNSC (Permanent and Non-Permanent Members)

To transform the UNSC into a more effective and capable body, several proposals have been put forward. One main suggestion is to expand the membership by including more countries, particularly those that contribute significantly to global peace and security. This would enhance the representativeness of the council and give a voice to countries that are most affected by global challenges (Weiss, 2019). There is a global call for the membership of the UNSC to be expanded as a means to include other countries that are very powerful in shaping the international scene. This will give a holistic view of the organization as it will be able to address issues from a contemporary perspective and not from the views in which it was created.

One of the primary concerns regarding the UNSC is its outdated composition, which does not adequately represent the geopolitical realities of the 21^st century. This turns out to make things difficult for the council.  Reforming the UNSC by expanding the permanent membership to include countries that have emerged as major global powers is very strategic (Bosco, 2009). For example, countries like India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan which are often considered strong contenders for permanent membership due to their economic and political influence should be given the chance for permanent membership (Weiss, 2019).

According to Davis (2010: 23), this proposal has been brought forward since 1995 by the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which was first to embrace the structural reform proposal of the UNSC (Fassbender, 2004: 346 and Bourantonis, 2005: 49). This reform has been supported by many groups including the “Group of Four” (G4), comprised of Brazil, Germany, India and Japan (G4, 2006); and the 1997 reform proposal of Ismail Razali (Razali), then Chair of the OEWG (OEWG 1997).

Added to that, Mazrui (2012) opines that, another approach to reform the UNSC is to increase the number of non-permanent members. This would allow for greater regional representation and enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of the council. The African Union, for instance, has called for an increase in African representation on the UNSC to address the underrepresentation of the continent.

• Reform the Veto Power System of the Security Council

Alternatively, others hold the position that introducing a veto restraint mechanism, such as the “Responsibility not to Veto” in cases of mass atrocities, could mitigate the negative effects of the veto power (Acharya, 2017). This will greatly enhance the activities of the SC, as much of it has been from the veto power of its members. Members used their veto power to stop the intervention of the council into gross atrocities and violations due to their interests. Chomsky (2003) argues that the United States, being the only global powerhouse, often manipulates the decision-making process of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to serve its own international policy goals. This manipulation was observed during the Iraq invasion in 2003 when the U.S. lobbied for a resolution to justify military action, despite the lack of concrete proof of weapons of mass destruction. Moreover, the U.S. has routinely used its veto rights to prevent any repercussions or criticism directed toward Israel. This action has substantially curbed the UNSC’s capability to impartially tackle the Israeli-Palestinian issue, thereby obstructing the path to a two-state resolution. The U.S.’s backing of Israel is driven by strategic benefits and a deep-rooted alliance with the Israeli state (Chomsky, 2003). Conversely, Russia has equally leveraged its veto privilege to safeguard its interests in Syria. Ever since the Syrian crisis erupted in 2011, Russia has blocked multiple resolutions aimed at criticizing or sanctioning the Syrian regime. Such actions have helped Russia preserve its military foothold in the area and continue its support for the Syrian government, despite widespread accusations of human rights violations and war crimes (UNSC, 2021).

According to Bellamy and Williams (2011), the veto power held by the five permanent members of the UNSC has been a subject of criticism. They argue that the veto power can hinder effective decision-making and prevent timely action on critical issues. Reform proposals suggest limiting or redefining the use of veto power, such as by introducing a “responsibility to protect” clause that would restrict veto power in cases of mass atrocities.

The majority of the UN members wish to abolish or limit the veto rights of the permanent members. This is seen as an unfair and anachronistic legacy of the Second World War (Fassbender, 2004 Schwartzberg, 2003). Nevertheless, it is widely alleged that the five permanent members (P5) resist any such change (Weiss and Young, 2005). The African Union (AU) has proposed that, though it opposes the right of veto, if some countries are to have the right of veto, then this right must be extended. Conferring to the AU reform proposal (AU, 2005) the structural reform has to extend the right of veto to 11 UNSC members (Veto+). As a fallback position, the AU has joined with several other states like Italy, Tunisia, Mongolia, Singapore, and many others to advocate for a particular structural reform which aimed at weakening the right of veto.

• Enhancing Cooperation Between the UNSC and Regional Organizations

Furthermore, enhancing cooperation between the UNSC and regional organizations can also strengthen its effectiveness. Regional organizations often have a better understanding of local dynamics and are more effective in responding to crises. Collaborative efforts with regional actors can complement the mandates and resources of the UNSC (Bjola and Kornprobst, 2017).

Enhancing cooperation between the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and regional organizations can be a crucial step in boosting the effectiveness, reliability, and credibility of the UNSC. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for greater collaboration between these two entities to address complex global challenges and promote sustainable peace and security. The main reason for advocating enhanced cooperation between the UNSC and regional organizations is the increasing complexity of global security issues (Langholtz et al., 2015). Traditional threats, such as conventional warfare, have evolved to include new challenges like terrorism, transnational crime, and cyber warfare. These multifaceted challenges often require a comprehensive approach that leverages the expertise, resources, and localized knowledge of regional organizations. By working closely with regional actors, the UNSC can tap into their regional expertise and gain a more nuanced understanding of the unique dynamics and root causes of conflicts, facilitating the development of more effective strategies and responses (Habyarimana et al., 2018).

Furthermore, collaboration between the UNSC and regional organizations can enhance the legitimacy and credibility of the Council’s decisions and actions. The United Nations is a diverse body, with regional organizations serving as representatives of various geographic and cultural constituencies. Involving regional organizations in decision-making processes can help bridge the gap between global and local perspectives, ensuring that the decisions taken by the UNSC reflect a broader consensus and are more representative of the interests and concerns of those directly affected by conflicts or crises. This inclusivity can consequently enhance the legitimacy and acceptance of the UNSC’s resolutions and actions within the international community (Langholtz et al., 2015).

Several examples demonstrate the potential of cooperation between the UNSC and regional organizations in boosting effectiveness and reliability. For instance, the African Union (AU) and the UNSC collaborated closely in addressing the crisis in Darfur, Sudan. The AU deployed peacekeeping forces (AMIS) in Darfur, with support and authorization from the UNSC through resolutions 1769 and 1978. This collaboration demonstrated the value of leveraging regional capacities and local knowledge, contributing to increased effectiveness in addressing conflicts on the African continent (Adedeji, 2020). Another example is the cooperation between the European Union (EU) and the UNSC in the context of the Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The EU played a key role in negotiating the agreement alongside the permanent members of the UNSC and Germany, contributing to the credibility of the outcome. The involvement of the EU added regional legitimacy to the agreement and demonstrated the potential of regional organizations to act as critical facilitators in complex negotiations (Bosco, 2016).

• Ensure Regional Representation at the UNSC

Reforming the UNSC to include regional representation could enhance its legitimacy and effectiveness. This approach suggests that seats should be allocated to different regions of the world, ensuring that each region has a voice in the decision-making process. This can be achieved through rotating seats or by creating regional blocs within the UNSC (Krasner, 2018).

Regional representation within the UNSC membership is an important aspect of the reform discussions. Critics argue that the current composition of the UNSC does not adequately reflect the significant changes in the geopolitical landscape since its inception. Many regions, especially in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, lack sufficient representation. This undermines the legitimacy and credibility of the organization, as countries outside the P5 often feel excluded from decision-making processes that directly affect their regions. To bolster the legitimacy, effectiveness, and credibility of the UNSC, regional representation needs to be addressed. Reform proposals have advocated for increasing the number of non-permanent seats to better accommodate diverse regions (Langholtz et al., 2015). This would enhance the representation and participation of countries from different regions and enable more comprehensive decision-making.

Introducing regional representation in the UNSC will greatly improve the credibility of the organization, as it would provide a more inclusive platform for decision-making. It would also enhance the effectiveness of the UNSC’s actions, as resolutions and interventions would be more likely to incorporate diverse perspectives and reflect the interests of a wider range of nations. For example, the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document emphasized the need to increase the representation of developing countries, particularly from Africa, in the UNSC. It highlighted the importance of making the council more representative and considering the interests and concerns of a broader range of nations (Krasner, 2018). This document serves as evidence of the global consensus on the necessity of reforming the UNSC.

The UNSC faces various challenges in the current global political and security landscape. These challenges include the veto power dynamics, limited representativeness, and the emergence of non-state actors. To address these challenges, proposals have been made to reform the council, such as expanding membership, reforming the veto power system, and enhancing cooperation with regional organizations. Implementing such transformations could enhance the UNSC’s ability to effectively address the multifaceted security challenges faced by the globe.

CONCLUSION

The renaissance for renewal and improved performance of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is of utmost importance to effectively address the challenges and stakes of the age we live in. The necessity of reforming the UNSC is not only evident but also imperative if we seek to maintain international peace and security and ensure a more equitable and inclusive global governance system. The article has explored the relevance of the Veto Player Theory in understanding the dynamics of the UNSC and its decision-making process. As a mechanism in which any of the five permanent members can single-handedly veto a proposed resolution, the veto power has often led to gridlock and inaction, hindering the Council’s ability to respond to emerging crises and global challenges.

The Stake of the Age refers to the pressing issues and multifaceted threats faced by the international community today, including climate change, terrorism, poverty, nuclear proliferation, and conflicts. These complex challenges require collective and decisive action, which the current structure of the UNSC often fails to provide due to inherent limitations and power imbalances. A key aspect of reforming the UNSC lies in addressing its current composition and representation. The Council’s structure, which was established in the aftermath of World War II, no longer reflects the geopolitical realities of the 21st century (Reinhardt and Sommerer, 2017). It is vital to ensure a more inclusive, representative, and balanced Council that considers the aspirations and concerns of all member states, particularly those from Africa, Latin America, and Asia, who are underrepresented. The revitalization of the UNSC also necessitates a critical examination of the veto power held by the permanent members (Malinarich and Sidiropolou, 2015). While maintaining the principle of consensus-building is important to ensure legitimacy, the unlimited veto power can impede necessary actions and compromise the Council’s credibility. Placing restrictions or reevaluating the application of the veto power is a critical step toward a more accountable and efficient decision-making process. The urgency for reforming the UNSC to meet the Stake of the Age cannot be underscored enough. Member states must engage in a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue, taking into consideration different perspectives and interests. A renaissance for renewal and improved performance of the UNSC will not only strengthen the efficacy of the United Nations but also enhance global governance and pave the way for a more peaceful and prosperous world.

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