Daily Hot Topic
Topic : Need for Reform in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
GS-2 Mains : IR
Revision Notes
Context
- India argues that the UNSC’s structure needs an overhaul as the UN approaches its 80th anniversary in 2025.
Current Composition of the UNSC
- The UNSC is a primary UN body responsible for maintaining global peace and security.
- Established in 1945, it has 15 members:
- Five permanent members (P5) with veto power: China, France, Russia, UK, and US.
- Ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.
Arguments for Reform
- Under-representation: The current structure lacks representation for key regions of the world.
- Inability to Address Conflicts: The current composition struggles to address critical conflicts and maintain international peace.
- Outdated Structure: The global order has significantly changed since 1945, and the UNSC’s permanent membership needs to reflect this.
- Veto Power: Only the P5 have veto power, which has stalled action on issues like the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
- The ten non-permanent members lack veto power.
- Legitimacy Concerns: The P5’s disproportionate power, especially the veto, raises concerns about fairness and legitimacy.
Why India Deserves Permanent Membership
- Global Representation: India, the world’s second-most populous country (18% of global population), deserves a seat at the decision-making table.
- Economic Powerhouse: India is a major global economic force (top economies by GDP).
- Commitment to Peacekeeping: India is a leading contributor to UN peacekeeping missions.
- Strategic Importance: India’s position in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific makes it crucial for addressing global security challenges.
- Democratic Values: India’s democratic principles align with the UN’s core values.
- Broad Support: India enjoys backing from many UN member states, recognizing its potential contribution to the UNSC.
Challenges to Reform
- Veto Power of P5: Any UNSC reform needs approval from all P5 members, who have differing interests and resist changes that reduce their influence.
- Regional Rivalries: Regional tensions complicate reform efforts.
- Complex Reform Process: Amending the UN Charter for reform requires a lengthy and complex process, including ratification by a significant number of member states.
- China’s Opposition: China, a P5 member, reportedly opposes India’s permanent membership bid.
The Way Forward
- Both permanent and non-permanent UNSC membership should reflect the current global reality, not the post-WWII world order.
- UNSC reform is crucial for maintaining its relevance, legitimacy, and effectiveness in addressing 21st-century security challenges.
- Achieving consensus on reform remains a significant ongoing challenge.
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