Introduction
The reform of the Security Council is potentially the most important and politically charged issue facing the United Nations.1 There hasn’t been any reform since the funding of the United Nation in 1945 except for one expansion of non-permanent membership in 1963. The five permanent members of the United Nations are China, France, the Russia Federation, United Kingdom and United States and they represent the global power. Since 1945 the economic and political changes that have taken place have questioned the legitimacy of permanent member seats. In December 1993, the General Assembly established an Open-ended Working Group to consider an increase in the membership of Security Council and reforming the working methods.
The demands placed on the reform were the increase in both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership, the veto as an anachronistic and undemocratic instrument, the improvement of working methods and the enhancement of transparency. They requested the conclusion of the reform be as quick as realistically possible. Different opinions could be found in the size of increase by category of membership, the total size of enlarged Council, the composition of an expanded Council and in the approval of a reform. This was the outcome after initial consultation of the member states about this topic in 1997. Over this period many resolutions were proposed but a consensus could not be found.
At a press conference in May this year Ambassador Zahir Tanin, Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the UN and Chair of Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council reform released the current overview on the debate and concluded that “there is light at the end of the tunnel”. By having a closer look at the overview a likely conclusion on the reform is doubtful. Many major issues for example the veto power and Council size have not been solved but have shown how crucial they are in the past. In this paper I am going to examine the current status in the realm of the past to see what it could mean for the future perspective of the reform.
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Current reform status in the realm of the past
3. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This paper aims to examine the historical development and current status of the debate surrounding the reform of the United Nations Security Council. It investigates the primary obstacles to reaching a consensus, specifically focusing on the power struggle between the Security Council and the General Assembly, the complexities of enlargement models, and the contentious issue of the veto power.
- Historical context of Security Council membership and operational methods.
- Comparative analysis of reform models regarding size, composition, and regional representation.
- The relationship and power dynamics between the Security Council and the General Assembly.
- Evaluation of the veto power as a barrier to institutional reform.
- Prospects for future consensus and the role of major global players.
Excerpt from the Book
Current reform status in the realm of the past
The overview shows two to three models in the categories composition, functions and powers, voting and procedure of the Security Council reform.
In the composition the opinions are divided on the size, the categories of membership and the regional representation. Model A argues that the size should be around the low-twenties so that the efficiency of decision-making is safeguarded. The United States had proposed adding Germany and Japan and three developing countries to bring the number of permanent members to 10 and the total number of members to 20. Significant efforts towards a consensus in this issue were made in April 2000 when the United States stated its willingness to consider proposals involving slightly more than 21 members. In Model B a group of states including Germany and Japan supported an increase to a total of 24 seats, by adding six permanent and 3 non – permanent members. The six new permanent members should be elected according to the following pattern: two from African States, two from Asian States, one from Latin American States and Caribbean States and one from Western European and Other States.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter provides the historical context for the Security Council reform, highlighting that no significant changes have occurred since 1945, and outlines the central demands for reform regarding membership and transparency.
2. Current reform status in the realm of the past: This section analyzes the various proposed models for council expansion, the criteria for selection, the relationship between the General Assembly and the Security Council, and the persistent deadlock regarding the reform of the veto power.
3. Conclusion: The concluding chapter summarizes the necessity of reform in light of shifting global political landscapes and emphasizes that the veto power remains the most critical hurdle to achieving a final consensus.
Keywords
United Nations, Security Council, Reform, Membership, Veto Power, General Assembly, Diplomacy, Global Governance, International Relations, Consensus, Developing Countries, Expansion, Transparency, Working Methods, Razali Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the ongoing efforts and historical challenges related to reforming the United Nations Security Council, specifically regarding its membership structure and internal working procedures.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include the enlargement of the Security Council, the debate over regional representation, the power imbalance between the Council and the General Assembly, and the controversial nature of the veto power.
What is the central research question?
The research seeks to understand the current status of the reform debate by looking at past negotiations to determine what they signify for the future perspectives of institutional reform.
Which methodology is employed in this study?
The author utilizes a descriptive and analytical approach, reviewing historical UN resolutions, draft frameworks, and statements from various member states and international groups.
What is addressed in the main body of the paper?
The main body focuses on the competing models for council composition, the struggle for increased transparency, and the persistent lack of agreement on how to amend the veto rights held by permanent members.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is defined by terms such as United Nations Security Council, Reform, Veto Power, Membership, and Global Governance.
How does the author view the influence of the Non-Aligned Movement?
The author notes that the Non-Aligned Movement significantly impacts the debate by coupling their support for membership expansion with the demand for curtailing or eliminating the veto power.
What role does the "Razali Plan" play in the reform debate?
The Razali Plan is identified as a significant historical attempt to balance the controversial aspects of veto power and improve the working relationship between the General Assembly and the Security Council.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anonym (Autor:in), 2009, A perspective on the Security Council reform, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/135856
