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United Nations AT 80: WHY reforms ARE CRUCIAL FOR SURVIVAL
1. Why are reforms needed in the United Nations?
The United Nations, established in 1945, was designed to secure peace, promote cooperation, and address global challenges. However, with rising conflicts, new technologies, and growing inequality, the UN’s present structure—especially the Security Council—faces questions of credibility and relevance. Without reforms, it risks becoming ineffective in addressing contemporary crises.
2. What is the central issue with the Security Council?
The Security Council is the UN’s most powerful organ but is often criticized for being outdated and unrepresentative. Its five permanent members (P5) hold veto power, frequently paralyzing action during crises. Emerging powers and developing nations argue that the Council no longer reflects global realities, especially with underrepresentation of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
3. What changes have been suggested?
Expansion: Increase both permanent and non-permanent membership.
Veto Reform: Limit or regulate the use of veto power.
Representation: Ensure better inclusion of developing countries.
Strengthening Capacity: Improve peacekeeping, humanitarian work, and development coordination.
Groups such as the G4 (India, Japan, Germany, Brazil), L.69, and the African Union actively demand reforms to make the Council more inclusive.
4. How has the UN responded to global failures?
From Rwanda and Srebrenica to Iraq and Syria, the UN has struggled to prevent conflicts and protect civilians. Reports and panels—such as Kofi Annan’s “Threats, Challenges and Change” (2003)—recommended strengthening peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and human rights protection. Yet, political deadlock has limited implementation of many of these reforms.
5. Why is reform urgent now?
The 2025 study on Security Council reform highlights strong resistance from the P5 but acknowledges that gradual change is possible. Today’s global challenges—climate change, pandemics, wars, and forced migration—demand collective action. Without reform, the UN risks irrelevance, and its credibility as the world’s central platform for peace and cooperation may collapse.
6. What is India’s position on reform?
India has consistently advocated for Security Council reform, seeking a permanent seat as recognition of its population size, economic growth, peacekeeping contributions, and democratic credentials. Along with its G4 partners, India emphasizes that reform is not just desirable but essential for a just and equitable international order.
7. Can the UN survive without reforms?
The UN remains valuable for humanitarian aid, peacekeeping, and global development frameworks. However, without adapting its structures—particularly the Security Council—its role risks being reduced to ceremonial functions while real power shifts to alternative coalitions and regional groupings.
Synopsis
The United Nations at 80 stands at a crossroads. While its achievements in peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and development are unmatched, its structural limitations—especially the outdated Security Council—threaten its future. Reforms ensuring inclusivity, wider representation, and effective decision-making are vital for the UN to remain central to global governance. Delay could lead to irrelevance.