POLITICAL SCIENCE AND

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
(PSIR OPTIONAL)

(Sample Notes)
PAPER-II, PART-A
TOPIC:
UNITED NATIONS:
ENVISAGED ROLE AND ACTUAL RECORD;
SPECIALIZED UN AGENCIES—AIMS AND
FUNCTIONING; THE NEED FOR UN REFORMS.
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UNIT: 9
UNITED NATIONS:
ENVISAGED ROLE AND ACTUAL RECORD; SPECIALIZED UN
AGENCIES—AIMS AND FUNCTIONING; THE NEED FOR UN
REFORMS.

PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS

● Do you agree that the U.N. has failed to contain transnational terrorism? Elaborate your answer
with examples. (2014)
● Argue a case for U.N. reform in the changing global milieu. (2014)
● How far are the world governance mechanisms, dominated by the IMF and World Bank, legitimate and
relevant? What measures do you suggest to improve their effectiveness in global governance? (2015)
● Has the reform of the economic and social arrangements of the United Nations been effective?
(2015)
● Do you endorse that the United Nations needs major changes in its structures and functioning?
Suggest the changes for efficiency improvements. (2016)
● Do you agree with the view that despite the limitations in the functioning of the UN, it has
distinguished and unique achievements to its credit? (2017)
● Discuss the relevance of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on the security of women in conflict
zones. (2018)
● In what way does the predominance of the USA in the UN funding affect the decision-making?
(2019)
● Do you think sustainable development goals will be attainable by 2030? (2019)
● Evaluate the role of the International Court of Justice in inter-State disputes. (2019)
● Discuss the significance and the urgency of the UN Security Council reforms. Explain the
relevance of the reform proposals made by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for
developing countries. (2020)
● What measures have been undertaken by the United Nations for its reforms? (150 words) (2021)

Standard Introductions
● According to Professor Jeffrey Sachs, the UN is the most important political innovation of the
20th century and the best bargain on this planet.
● The United Nations has often been described as the world's most important international
organization, with a membership of 193 countries and a broad mandate to promote peace,
human rights, and sustainable development.
● The United Nations was established in 1945 with the goal of promoting international
cooperation and maintaining peace and security around the world. Since its inception, the
UN has played a central role in global governance, with a range of specialized agencies and
programs addressing issues such as poverty, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
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Background
● The United Nations (UN) was established after World War II with the aim of promoting
international cooperation, maintaining peace and security, and protecting human rights. The
world had just experienced the devastation and loss of life of two world wars, and there was
widespread recognition that a new approach to international relations was needed in order to
prevent such conflicts from happening again.
● The idea of creating an international organization to promote peace and cooperation had been
discussed for decades prior to the establishment of the UN. However, it was the horrors of World
War II that finally galvanized the international community into action. In 1941, representatives
from 26 countries signed the Atlantic Charter, which set out a vision for a post-war world based
on four key principles: self-determination, economic cooperation, collective security, and the
promotion of human rights.
● Following the end of the war, representatives from 50 countries met in San Francisco in April
1945 to draft the UN Charter, which established the new organization. The UN was founded on
the principle that all member states should work together to prevent conflict, promote
cooperation, and uphold the rule of law. Today, the UN remains a key player in global affairs,
working to address a wide range of issues, from peace and security to climate change and
sustainable development.
United Nations as a form of Liberal Institutionalism
The United Nations (UN) can be seen as a manifestation of liberal institutionalism in international
relations. Liberal institutionalism emphasizes the importance of international institutions and
norms in promoting cooperation and peaceful conflict resolution among states. The UN was
created with similar goals in mind and is designed to provide a forum for member states to address
global problems and promote international cooperation.
The UN Charter lays out a number of key principles and norms that reflect the tenets of liberal
institutionalism. For example, the Charter emphasizes the importance of respect for human rights and
the rule of law, and it establishes mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of disputes between states.
The UN also encompasses a range of specialized agencies and bodies that are designed to address
specific issues such as health, education, and economic development. These bodies reflect the
belief in the importance of functional cooperation and the pooling of resources to address common
challenges, which is a key aspect of liberal institutionalism.

Structure and Organs

● The General Assembly: The General Assembly is the main deliberative body of the UN and is
composed of all 193 member states, with each member state having one vote. The General
Assembly meets once a year in a regular session and may also hold special sessions as needed.
● The Security Council: The Security Council has primary responsibility for maintaining
international peace and security. It is composed of 15 member states, with five permanent
members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and ten non-
permanent members elected for two-year terms.

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● The International Court of Justice: The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial
body of the UN and settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on legal
questions referred to it by authorized UN organs and specialized agencies.
● The Economic and Social Council: The Economic and Social Council is responsible for
promoting international economic and social cooperation and development. It is composed of 54
member states elected for three-year terms.
● The Secretariat: The Secretariat is responsible for carrying out the day-to-day work of the UN
and is headed by the Secretary-General, who is appointed by the General Assembly on the
recommendation of the Security Council.
● Specialized Agencies: The UN has several specialized agencies, such as the World Health
Organization (WHO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO), and the International Labor Organization (ILO), among others. These agencies work
on specific issues, such as health, education, and labor, and are independent of the UN but work
in close cooperation with it.

How the United Nations Works?

Security Council: This is in charge of
maintaining global peace and security and
oversees the UN's functions as an observer,
mediator, peacekeeper, and eventually an
enforcer of peace. In order to maintain or
reestablish peace and security, the Council has
the authority to adopt binding resolutions,
suspend or expel members, impose economic
sanctions, and use military force. The Security
Council consists of 15 people. The Big Five (or
P-5) countries—the United States, Russia,
China, the United Kingdom, and France—have
permanent "veto powers" that allow them to
veto actions taken by other Council members.
The General Assembly elects the other 10 non-
permanent members for terms of two years that
are consistent with an established, albeit
unsatisfactory, regional balance.
General Assembly: This is the UN's main
legislative body, also known as the "parliament of
nations." All UN members participate in the
Assembly, and each member has one vote. The
Assembly has the authority to discuss and decide
on any issue covered by the Charter, and it is
specifically tasked with reviewing and approving
the UN budget, calculating member
contributions, and electing the UNSC and the
judges of the International Court of Justice along
with the Security Council. Important Assembly
decisions must be approved by a two-thirds
majority, although it is important to note that
these decisions are suggestions rather than
binding international law. The Assembly does not
have legislative authority and does not control or
monitor the Secretariat or the Security Council.

The Secretariat: This provides support to the
other major UN bodies and manages their
established projects and policies. Although its
primary operations are housed in the UN's New
York headquarters, it maintains offices all
around the world and a staff of roughly 40,000
people. The Secretary-General, who serves as
both the UN's main executive and public
Economic and Social Council: This consists of
54 members elected by the General Assembly. Its
main responsibility is to coordinate the UN and
the UN family of organizations' economic and
social activity. This entails managing the
operations of numerous projects, funding, and
specialized organizations. These organizations
include the 'three sisters', the World Bank, IMF,

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relations representative, is at its helm. The
Secretary General, who is appointed by the
Assembly on the Security Council's
recommendation for a five-year term that is
renewable, manages a complex bureaucracy
with employees from a variety of nations and
cultures while attempting to uphold the UN's
independence, frequently amid rivalry among
the P5 states.
and WTO, as well as organizations like the
International Labour Organisation (ILO), World
Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations
Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation
(UNESCO), and United Nations Children's Fund
(UNICEF). The growth of the UN's economic and
social institutions was essentially functionalist in
nature, with new organizations being established
or existing ones being developed in response to
emerging economic and social issues.

United Nations Charter

The United Nations Charter is a document that establishes the principles and structure of the United
Nations, which is an international organization created to promote peace, security, and cooperation
among nations. The Charter was adopted on June 26, 1945, and it consists of 111 articles.
Some of the most important articles of the UN Charter include:
● Article 1: The Purposes of the United Nations, which outlines the main objectives of the
organization, including maintaining international peace and security, promoting human rights,
and fostering economic and social development.
● Article 2: The Principles of the United Nations, which lays out the principles that all member
states should adhere to, such as the principle of sovereignty, non-intervention in the internal
affairs of other states, and peaceful settlement of disputes.
● Article 5: The Membership of the United Nations, which outlines the criteria for membership
in the organization, including being a peace-loving state that accepts the obligations of the UN
Charter.
● Article 39: The Security Council, which establishes the Security Council as the main body
responsible for maintaining international peace and security and gives it the power to take
action, including the use of force, to address threats to international peace and security.
● Article 51: The Right to Self-Defense, which recognizes the inherent right of states to defend
themselves against armed attack.
● Article 55: The Promotion of Economic and Social Cooperation, which calls for the UN to
promote higher standards of living, full employment, and conditions of economic and social
progress and development.
● Article 56: The Duties of Member States, which outlines the obligations of member states to
cooperate with the UN in the promotion of the organization's purposes and to respect and
uphold the principles of the UN Charter.
The principal aims of the UN, as spelt out by its founding Charter, are as follows:
● To safeguard peace and security in order ‘to save succeeding generations from the scourge of
war
● To ‘reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights
● To uphold respect for international law
● To ‘promote social progress and better standards of life
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Envisaged Role
1. Protection of World Peace: The UN's primary objective is to maintain international peace and
security. It does this through various mechanisms, including the Security Council, which has the
power to authorize the use of force to address threats to international peace and security. The UN
also engages in peacekeeping operations, which involve sending troops and other personnel to
areas affected by conflict to help maintain peace and stability.
● In addition to addressing conflicts, the UN also works to prevent them from occurring in the
first place. It does this by promoting diplomacy, mediation, and other peaceful means of
resolving disputes. The UN also works to promote disarmament and prevent the proliferation
of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons.
2. Protection of Human Rights: The UN is committed to promoting and protecting human rights
around the world. It does this through a range of mechanisms, including the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights and other international human rights treaties. The UN also has a number of
human rights bodies, such as the Human Rights Council, which monitor and address human rights
abuses and violations.
● The UN works to promote and protect a wide range of human rights, including civil and
political rights, economic, social and cultural rights, and the rights of marginalized groups
such as women, children, and persons with disabilities. It also works to combat
discrimination, racism, and other forms of intolerance.
3. Social and Economic Development: The UN is committed to promoting social and economic
development around the world. It does this through initiatives such as the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to eradicate poverty, promote sustainable economic
growth, and address other global challenges such as climate change and inequality.
● The UN works with governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to
promote sustainable development. It provides technical assistance, funding, and other forms
of support to help countries achieve their development goals. The UN also promotes gender
equality and the empowerment of women, as well as the rights of indigenous peoples and
other marginalized groups.

Protection of World Peace: UN’s Record

The United Nations has made significant efforts to maintain international peace and security since its
inception in 1945. It has achieved several successes in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons,
facilitating diplomatic negotiations, and providing humanitarian aid to conflict-affected areas. However,
the UN has also faced significant challenges and failures in preventing and resolving ongoing conflicts,
effectively deploying peacekeeping operations, and combating terrorism.
Success Failures

● Peacekeeping Operations: The UN has been ● Ongoing Conflicts: The UN has been
involved in a number of peacekeeping unable to resolve several long-standing
operations around the world. These operations conflicts around the world, such as the
involve sending troops and other personnel to Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the conflict in
conflict zones to help maintain peace and Afghanistan, and the conflict in Syria.
security. For example, the UN has been Despite diplomatic efforts and
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involved in peacekeeping operations in places peacekeeping operations, these conflicts

such as Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of
Congo, and Mali.
● Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution: The
UN has played a key role in facilitating
diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts. For
example, the UN played a pivotal role in
negotiating the peace agreement that ended
the war in Bosnia in the 1990s. More recently,
the UN has been involved in negotiations
aimed at resolving the conflict in Syria.
● Preventing the Spread of Nuclear
Weapons: The UN has played a key role in
preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. ● Proliferation of Weapons: Despite the
The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of
Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which was
negotiated under UN auspices, has been
signed by almost all countries in the world.
The UN also works to promote disarmament
and prevent the proliferation of nuclear,
chemical, and biological weapons.
● Mediation and Conflict Prevention: The ● Terrorism: The UN has struggled to
UN has also been involved in mediation and
conflict prevention efforts. For example, the
UN has facilitated talks between the
government of Colombia and the
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia
(FARC) in an effort to end the country's long-
standing conflict.
continue to cause suffering and instability.
● Ineffectiveness of Peacekeeping: While
the UN's peacekeeping operations have
helped to prevent or mitigate conflict in
some cases, they have also faced criticism
for their ineffectiveness and lack of
resources. Peacekeepers have been accused
of sexual abuse and other misconduct, and
there have been instances where
peacekeeping missions have failed to
prevent atrocities, such as the genocide in
Rwanda in 1994.
UN's efforts to prevent the spread of
nuclear weapons, several countries have
developed nuclear weapons outside of the
NPT framework, including North Korea
and Pakistan. There are also concerns about
the potential for other countries to develop
nuclear weapons in the future.
effectively address the threat of terrorism.
While the organization has taken steps to
combat terrorism, including passing
several Security Council resolutions and
establishing the Counter-Terrorism
Committee, terrorist attacks continue to
occur around the world.

Protection of Human Rights: UN’s Record

Success Failures

● The Universal Declaration of ● Ineffective Response to Human Rights Crises: The

Human Rights: The UN's UN has often been criticized for its ineffective response
adoption of the Universal to human rights crises. For instance, in the case of the
Declaration of Human Rights in Syrian conflict, the UN Security Council was unable to
1948 was a significant milestone take decisive action to stop the conflict, leading to the
in the protection and promotion deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and
of human rights. The widespread human rights violations. Similarly, during
Declaration has since served as a the genocide in Rwanda in 1994, the UN peacekeeping

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guiding framework for human
rights protection and advocacy
around the world.
● International Human Rights
Treaties: The UN has played a
key role in the development and
adoption of international human
rights treaties, such as the
International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights and the
International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights. These treaties have ● Political Influence and Selectivity: The UN has been
helped to establish legal
frameworks for the protection
and promotion of human rights.
● Human Rights Council: The
UN's Human Rights Council
was established in 2006 to
promote and protect human
rights around the world. The
Council is responsible for
addressing human rights ● Limited Enforcement Mechanisms: The UN's ability
violations and making
recommendations for action to
address them.
● Support for Human Rights
Defenders: The UN provides
support for human rights
defenders who are at risk of
persecution or other forms of
repression. This support
includes providing protection,
advocating on their behalf, and
raising awareness of their work.
For example, the UN played a
key role in ending the apartheid
regime in South Africa, and has
been involved in peacekeeping
efforts in several conflict zones,
including in East Timor and
Sierra Leone.
mission was unable to stop the killings despite receiving
warnings about the impending genocide.
● Ongoing Human Rights Violations: Despite the UN's
efforts to promote and protect human rights, human
rights violations continue to occur around the world. For
example, China's treatment of Uyghur Muslims in
Xinjiang has been widely criticized as a human rights
violation, including forced labor, arbitrary detention,
and systematic persecution. Despite international
condemnation, the Chinese government has continued to
deny the allegations and the UN has been criticized for
its limited response.
criticized for being influenced by political
considerations and for being selective in its approach to
human rights. Some countries have accused the UN of
using human rights as a tool to exert political pressure
on certain countries while ignoring human rights
violations in others. For instance, the UN has been
criticized for its limited response to human rights
violations in countries like Saudi Arabia, which is a key
ally of several Western countries.
to enforce human rights treaties and resolutions is
limited. The organization relies largely on moral and
political pressure to encourage countries to respect
human rights, and there are few mechanisms in place to
hold countries accountable for human rights violations.
For example, North Korea's government has been
accused of widespread human rights violations,
including forced labor, torture, and public executions,
but there are few effective measures that the UN can take
to hold the government accountable for these violations.

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Social and Economic Development: UN’s Record

Success Failure

● The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable ● Persistent poverty: Despite the efforts of the UN,
Development: The 2030 Agenda, poverty remains a significant challenge in many
adopted by the UN in 2015, outlines a parts of the world. According to the World Bank,
set of 17 Sustainable Development as of 2019, approximately 9.2% of the world's
Goals (SDGs) aimed at eradicating population lived in extreme poverty (defined as
poverty, promoting sustainable living on less than $1.90 per day).
development, and fostering inclusive ● Inequality: Economic inequality remains a
economic growth. The SDGs build on significant challenge, both within and between
the progress made under the MDGs countries. According to Oxfam, as of 2020, the
and reflect a broader, more integrated world's billionaires had more wealth than 4.6
approach to development. The SDGs billion people combined.
have helped to focus international ● Climate change: The UN has been working to
attention on key social and economic promote environmental sustainability and combat
development issues, and many climate change, but progress has been slow, and
countries have made progress towards the impacts of climate change continue to be felt
achieving these goals. around the world. For example, extreme weather
● The UN Development Programme events, such as floods and droughts, have become
(UNDP): The UNDP works to support more frequent and severe, and sea levels are rising.
countries in achieving sustainable
development and eradicating poverty.
Through its programs and initiatives,
the UNDP has helped to promote
inclusive economic growth, improve
access to education and healthcare,
and support environmental
sustainability.

Some specialized UN Agencies

● Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): FAO is a specialized
agency of the UN that is dedicated to eradicating hunger and malnutrition, promoting
sustainable agriculture, and improving the livelihoods of rural populations. Its membership
includes 194 member countries and one member organization, the European Union.
● International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): IAEA is a specialized agency of the UN that
is responsible for promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy, preventing nuclear
proliferation, and ensuring nuclear safety and security. Its membership includes 172 countries.
● International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD): IFAD is a specialized agency
of the UN that is dedicated to reducing rural poverty and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Its membership includes 177 countries.

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● International Labour Organization (ILO): ILO is a specialized agency of the UN that is

responsible for promoting social justice and decent work around the world. Its mandate
includes setting labor standards, promoting social dialogue, and providing technical
assistance and support to countries facing labor and employment challenges. Its membership
includes 187 countries.
● International Monetary Fund (IMF): IMF is an organization that works to foster
international monetary cooperation, promote economic growth and stability, and reduce
poverty around the world. Its membership includes 190 countries.
● International Organization for Migration (IOM): IOM is a UN-related organization that
works to promote safe and orderly migration, provide humanitarian assistance to migrants and
refugees, and combat human trafficking. Its membership includes 174 countries.
● International Telecommunication Union (ITU): ITU is a specialized agency of the UN that is
responsible for promoting the development of telecommunications and information and
communication technologies (ICTs) around the world. Its membership includes 193 countries.
● United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
UNESCO is a specialized agency of the UN that is responsible for promoting education,
science, culture, and communication. Its mandate includes promoting universal access to
education, protecting cultural heritage sites, and promoting scientific research and innovation.
Its membership includes 193 countries.
● United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO): UNIDO is a specialized
agency of the UN that is dedicated to promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial
development. Its mandate includes providing technical assistance and support to countries
facing industrial development challenges. Its membership includes 171 countries.
● World Bank: The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and
grants to support economic development in developing countries. Its membership includes
189 countries.
● World Health Organization (WHO): WHO is a specialized agency of the UN that is responsible
for promoting public health around the world. Its mandate includes developing health policies and
guidelines, supporting research on health issues, and providing technical assistance and support to
countries facing health challenges. Its membership includes 194 countries.
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United
Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of
human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights
violations and making recommendations on them. It has the ability to discuss all
thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout
the year. It meets at the UN Office at Geneva.
Successes:
● The UNHRC has been successful in bringing attention to human rights violations around the
world and holding governments accountable for their actions. For example, the UNHRC played
a role in investigating and documenting human rights abuses in Syria, leading to the creation
of a Commission of Inquiry in 2011.

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● The UNHRC has also been successful in promoting the rights of vulnerable populations, such
as women, children, and persons with disabilities. For example, the UNHRC adopted a
resolution in 2018 on the rights of persons with disabilities, which called for greater inclusion
and participation in all aspects of society.
Controversies:
● The UNHRC has been criticized for being biased against Israel and ignoring human rights
abuses in other countries. Some countries, including the United States, have accused the
UNHRC of being politicized and anti-Israel. In 2018, the United States withdrew from the
UNHRC, citing bias against Israel and failure to address human rights abuses in countries like
China and Venezuela.
● The UNHRC has also been criticized for its membership, which includes countries with poor
human rights records. Some countries with poor human rights records, such as China, Saudi
Arabia, and Cuba, have been elected to the UNHRC, leading to questions about the
effectiveness and credibility of the body.

Need for UN Reforms

● Expansion of the Security Council
● Improving the efficiency of internal working
● Enhancing UN peacekeeping operations
● Reforms to the UN General Assembly

Security Council Reforms

Veto Reforms
The veto power was established as part of the UN Charter in 1945 as a way to ensure that the major
powers had a voice in the decision-making process of the UN. The idea was that by giving the permanent
members veto power, they would be more likely to support the UN's decisions and take part in its
activities.

How Does Veto Work?

The veto power at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) allows the five permanent members
(United States, United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia) to block any substantive resolution,
regardless of the level of support from other members of the council. This means that even if a resolution
has the support of 14 out of 15 members of the council, it can still be vetoed by any one of the permanent
members.

Criticism of Veto Powers

● Lack of accountability: Since the veto power can only be exercised by the five permanent members
of the UNSC, it gives them an unfair advantage and allows them to act with impunity. This lack of
accountability can lead to abuses of power, as the permanent members can veto resolutions that are
against their interests, even if they are in the interest of the international community.

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● Inequity: The veto power is viewed as being undemocratic and unfair, as it gives the five
permanent members of the UNSC a privileged position over other member states. It is argued that
the current composition of the UNSC does not reflect the current global balance of power and
that it needs to be reformed to better reflect the diversity of the international community.
Example: Europe is overrepresented, while Africa, South America have no representation.
● Hinders progress: The veto power has been used on several occasions to block important
resolutions aimed at resolving conflicts and promoting peace and security. This has led to
frustration and a lack of progress on important global issues, such as the Syrian conflict and
Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
● Delayed action: The threat of a veto can also cause delays in decision-making, as member states
may be reluctant to bring forward resolutions if they know they will be vetoed. This can lead to
inaction in the face of urgent issues and can undermine the effectiveness of the UNSC.
● Self-interest: The veto power can be used to further the self-interest of the permanent members,
rather than promoting the broader interests of the international community. This can undermine
the legitimacy of the UNSC and reduce the effectiveness of its decision-making processes.

Reforms Proposed
● Expansion of the UNSC: One proposal is to expand the number of permanent and non-
permanent members of the UNSC to better reflect the current global balance of power. This
would make the UNSC more representative and ensure that a wider range of countries have a say
in decision-making. Countries such as Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan have been lobbying for
permanent membership on the UNSC, while other proposals have suggested adding more non-
permanent members.
● Abolition of the veto power: The G4 countries have called for the abolition of the veto power
held by the five permanent members of the UNSC. They argue that the veto power is
undemocratic and has been used in the past to block important resolutions, which has hindered
the effectiveness of the UNSC.
● Code of conduct for the use of the veto: Another proposal is to establish a code of conduct for
the use of the veto power, which would prevent the permanent members from using it in certain
circumstances, such as when there is a risk of mass atrocities or when there is a clear international
consensus in favor of a resolution. This proposal has been supported by countries such as France
and the United Kingdom.
● Uniting for Consensus (UfC) proposal: This proposal advocates for an intermediate approach
to UNSC reform. It suggests that instead of creating new permanent members, new semi-
permanent members could be created that would be elected for longer terms than non-permanent
members. These semi-permanent members would have increased privileges, including longer
terms and more influence, but without the veto power.

Conflicts arising put improper use of Veto

● The Syrian conflict: Since the outbreak of the Syrian conflict in 2011, Russia and China have
used their veto power to block several resolutions aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis and
holding the Syrian government accountable for human rights violations. This has prevented the
UNSC from taking effective action to end the conflict and has prolonged the suffering of the
Syrian people.
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● The Iraq war: In 2003, the United States and its allies invaded Iraq without the authorization of
the UNSC. This was partly due to the threat of a veto by France, which opposed military
intervention. The lack of a UN mandate for the invasion has been a source of controversy and has
undermined the legitimacy of the action.
● The Israeli-Palestinian conflict: The UNSC has been unable to take effective action to resolve the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict due to the use of the veto power by the United States, which has consistently
vetoed resolutions critical of Israel. This has prevented the UNSC from holding Israel accountable for
human rights violations and has hindered efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
● The Kosovo crisis: In 1999, Russia and China vetoed a resolution authorizing the use of force in
Kosovo to prevent ethnic cleansing by Serbian forces. This led to NATO launching a military
campaign without UN authorization, which was criticized by Russia and China and led to tensions
between these countries and the Western powers.
● Ukraine-Russian War 2022: Russia vetoed Security Council resolution condemning attempted
annexation of Ukraine regions
G4 Nations
The G4 nations, which include Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan, are a group of countries that support each other's bids
for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). They seek to expand the UNSC to better represent
the current global balance of power and address the under-representation of developing countries in the Council. The
G4 nations believe that the UNSC should be more democratic, effective, and representative.
The G4 nations believe that the UNSC should be more democratic, effective, and representative. They argue that the current
composition of the UNSC, with its five permanent members and ten non-permanent members, does not accurately reflect the
world's current political and economic realities. The G4 nations seek to have more permanent seats on the UNSC, with themselves
included as members, and also want more non-permanent seats to be added to the Council.
The G4 nations have proposed various models for expanding the UNSC, including increasing the number of both
permanent and non-permanent seats, and have emphasized the importance of maintaining the veto power as a means of
ensuring the participation and engagement of the permanent members of the UNSC.
The G4 nations have faced criticism from the Coffee Club, a group of small and medium-sized countries that oppose
the expansion of the UNSC. They argue that adding more permanent members to the UNSC would only increase the
power of a few dominant countries and further marginalize smaller and developing countries. The Coffee Club has also
expressed concern that expanding the UNSC could result in gridlock and inaction, as more permanent members could
lead to more vetoes and less cooperation.

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Steps taken for reform at the UNSC

● In 1993, an open ended working group on the question of equitable representation and increase
in membership of the security council was set up. This is the main platform for negotiations on
reforms.
● In 2003, a high level panel on threats, challenges and change was set up. This panel gave its report
in 2004.
● In 2005, the UN secretary general gave his own report on the matter titled “In Larger Freedom:
Towards development, security and human rights for all”.
● In 2007, the intergovernmental negotiation process started with veto and membership reforms as
its core interest.
● In 2015 members agreed to go forward with “Text based negotiations” rep;replacing the previous
informal mechanism of dialogue.
Discuss the relevance of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on the security of women in
conflict zones. (2018)
UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) was adopted by the UN Security Council in
2000 to address the issue of women's participation in conflict prevention, management, and
resolution, and the impact of armed conflict on women. The resolution recognizes the
disproportionate and unique impact of armed conflict on women, and calls for their full and equal
participation in all efforts to maintain and promote peace and security.
The relevance of UNSCR 1325 on the security of women in conflict zones is significant. The
resolution acknowledges the importance of considering the different needs of women and men in
conflict situations and calls for the protection of women and girls from all forms of violence,
including sexual violence, and for the prosecution of those responsible for such crimes. It also
recognizes the critical role that women can play in peacebuilding efforts and calls for their
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participation in decision-making processes related to conflict prevention and resolution.

Since its adoption, UNSCR 1325 has led to a number of positive developments for women in
conflict zones. It has helped to raise awareness of the unique challenges that women face during
conflict and post-conflict situations, and has led to increased efforts to address sexual and gender-
based violence. The resolution has also played a key role in promoting the participation of women
in peacekeeping missions, peace negotiations, and other peacebuilding processes.
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain in implementing the provisions of UNSCR
1325. There is a need for increased funding and resources to support the implementation of the
resolution, as well as greater political will among member states to prioritize women's participation
and protection in conflict situations. Moreover, more needs to be done to address the root causes
of gender inequality and violence against women in conflict zones.
Overall, UNSCR 1325 has had a significant impact on the security of women in conflict zones by
promoting their participation in decision-making processes related to conflict prevention and
resolution, and by calling for greater protection of women and girls from violence. While there is
still much work to be done to fully implement the provisions of the resolution, its relevance and
importance in promoting women's security in conflict situations cannot be overstated.

Is the UN relevant today anymore?

For (Yes it is relevant) Against (No it is no longer relevant)

Global Nature: One important point must be
kept in mind despite the UN's shortcomings:
the world is safer with the UN than it would be
without it. Even while it will never be able to
do so, the UN offers an essential foundation for
cooperation should the international
community decide to make use of it. The UN
helps—however imperfectly—increasing the
likelihood that international disputes may be
settled without going to war, and that if a war
does break out, the armed confrontation will
swiftly result in peacemaking and
peacebuilding.
Flawed World Government: Because it was
intended to be a supranational organization that
would regulate the world order, the UN has major
flaws. As a result, the UN has all the flaws of a
potential global government, including a lack of
legitimacy, responsibility, and democratic
credentials. The UN not only meddles in national
matters (as evidenced by its waning support for
state sovereignty), but it also tampers with the
functioning of the balance-of-power system,
threatening peace and stability.

As a Peacekeeper: The UN's effectiveness in
maintaining peace has been tarnished by well-
publicized peacekeeping "failures." Most
studies indicate that UN peacekeeping
operations succeed more often than they fail.
Operationally, the UN is unquestionably
superior to other organizations in fulfilling
Poor Effectiveness: Many believe that the UN's
inefficiency, rather than its ability to influence in
international affairs, is the main issue with the
organization. As is frequently noted, there have
been more wars since the UN's founding than
there had been previously, and the agency
frequently takes a back seat as significant global

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tasks like small-scale peacekeeping, providing events take place. The inability of the Security
humanitarian aid, and overseeing elections. It Council to enact resolutions and get the USA's
has been advantageous to move towards backing as well as regional support before action
multidimensional peacekeeping. can be done sometimes causes paralysis.

Dynamic Role Playing: The UN has
succeeded in changing and redefining itself in
light of new global concerns, rather than
fossilizing around its original objective. In
addition to becoming the world's foremost
organization promoting economic and social
growth, the UN has also shaped the agenda for
contemporary global challenges, from
population control and pandemic preparedness
to climate change and gender equality.
Selective Bias: According to this argument, the
UN was founded with the moral imperative to
uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms
as a result of the struggle against fascism. The
UN, however, veered towards a form of moral
relativism in which it tries to be all things to all of
its members as it grew and became a truly global
organization. The UN has a dismal track record of
opposing dictators, denouncing human rights
abuses, and stepping in to stop genocide and other
grave crimes.

Reformable: It is absurd to say that the UN
cannot be changed despite its flaws. Both the
operational and strategic approach to
maintaining peace and providing humanitarian
help have considerably improved recently,
although further improvements may surely be
made. For instance, the coordination of UN
agencies could be improved; the UN could
sanction international action rather than always
carrying it out; and connections with regional
organizations could be improved.
Dysfunctional due to rivalry: Most people
believe that the UN urgently needs reform, but it's
unclear how such reform can be implemented.
Due to the permanent members' veto power, it is
impossible to restructure the Security Council.
The organization is simply dysfunctional, being
sprawling, convoluted, and rife with overlaps and
redundancy. Additionally, efforts to streamline
the business appear to worsen rather than improve
the situation.

Views of Scholars
● Ban Ki-moon: The former Secretary-General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon, has argued that the
UN remains relevant but needs to adapt to new challenges such as climate change and cyber
threats. He has also called for reforms to the Security Council.
● Joseph Nye: He has argued that the UN remains relevant as a forum for international
cooperation, but that it needs to be complemented by other forms of governance such as
regional organizations and public-private partnerships.
● Kofi Annan: Another former Secretary-General of the UN, argued that the organization
needs to focus more on preventing conflicts before they occur, rather than simply responding
to them after the fact.
● S. Jaishankar:
- In a speech at the UN General Assembly in 2019, Jaishankar emphasized the
importance of the UN as a forum for cooperation and dialogue, stating that
"multilateralism is not an option, but a necessity.

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- In a 2020 interview with the Council on Foreign Relations, Jaishankar discussed the
need for the UN to be more responsive to emerging challenges such as climate change
and cyber threats.
- He also emphasized the importance of building consensus among member states,
stating that "the UN is only as effective as the political will of its member states."

Standard Conclusions
● With global conflict, it is not the time to term the UN as irrelevant but rather find constructive
ways to reform it and make it more effective.
● Although it faces issues, the UN still stands as the most successful platform of global
cooperation thus with reform it promises much more global cooperation.
● With the COVID pandemic, the importance of global institutions like the UN are much more
highlighted.
[India and Permanent Member seat, UN Peacekeeping is covered in Part B Unit 6]

******

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