UNSC (United Nations Security Council) reforms, a much-debated and eagerly anticipated development, remain a difficult hope, casting a shadow amidst a series of ongoing global turmoils. The inability of the P-5 members to adequately address the intricate geopolitical and security challenges, along with their long-term implications for populations worldwide, underlines the priority for reform. A plethora of issues continue to exert serious influence on the international stage, spanning conflicts and unrest across various regions, largely evident poverty, healthcare disparities, educational gaps, technological access, the advent of artificial intelligence, evolving warfare strategies, trade disruptions, and beyond. The world finds itself consumed by a deadlock in addressing several pressing issues of our time, including but not limited to:

1. Russo-Ukrainian War (Almost a Frozen War, End to it is not seen in the horizon)
2. Israel-Hamas War in Gaza (There is no definite hope as on day for end of this war)
3. Disruptions in trade route in red sea
4. Unresolved Flash Points (Kashmir, Taiwan, Kosovo, Korean peninsula, Afghanistan, US-Iran brinkmanship, Militancy in Africa, US-China conflicts, to name a few)
5. Existential threat of climate change

“Violence and war continue to spread in regions across the world, while the United Nations seems paralyzed due largely to the divisions in the Security Council. “Absent structural reform, its performance and legitimacy will inevitably continue to suffer – and so too, the credibility and relevance of the UN itself.”– Dennis Francis (President, UNGA)

The series of unsuccessful attempts to reach unanimous agreement on proposed resolutions has become a standard sight at UNSC, prompting a intriguing inquiry: Does UNSC possess the capability and sincerity to meaningfully address the ongoing global crises? With major representation from Western nations, the UNSC lacks diversity and overlooks several pressing global concerns.

Japan views realizing reform of the United Nations Security Council as an issue of primary importance. In order to make the Security Council more broadly representative, efficient and transparent, and thus further enhance its effectiveness and legitimacy, Japan is working proactively to achieve an early reform of the Security Council. – Permanent Mission of Japan to the UN

“Multilateral institutions are not adequately equipped to deal with current challenges, as demonstrated by the unacceptable paralysis of the Security Council in relation to ongoing conflicts,”- Ms. Mauro Viera, Foreign Minister, Brazil.

“How much longer, the will of 5 members will continue to override the collective will of 188 states, this much change”- Indian Envoy to UN Ruchira Kamboj.

“If you look at the last five years, for all the big issues, in a way, we have not been able to find a multilateral solution. So, the lack of results demonstrates the case for reform.”- S Jaishankar- EAM Minister, India at Raisina Dialogue 2024, Delhi

What is G-4 and Their Proposition on UNSC Reforms:

The G-4, group of India, Brazil, Japan, and Germany, forms a coalition advocating for their permanent membership within the UNSC. Over the years, G4 nations have shown remarkable economic, political, and diplomatic success. Their contributions in UN missions has gradually increased, consolidating their roles as string compliances of international law and order. However, their dreams for UNSC membership suffer from consistent opposition from the Uniting for Consensus movement, sponsored by countries such as Italy, Pakistan, Argentina, Canada, and Colombia, as well as blocked by political adversaries and economic competitors. Morever, the Permanent 5 members—comprising the United States, China, Russia, France, and England—have yet to unanimously support the reform of the UNSC, due to a plethora of complex reasons.

 

The G4 nations are promising propositions for permanent membership in UNSC. But several factors block the process of UNSC reforms, raising doubt on the hope of required change and turning the council less relevant over time.

The Prerequisite before UNSC Reforms:

• Two thirds of UN nations must agree in UNGA.
• All Permanent members (who hold veto powers) of UNSC must agree.

While the first prerequisite is less complicated than the second prerequisite, we need to understand the extremely complicated political differences between permanent 5 members.

1. India’s bid for permanent membership is opposed by Pakistan and China (a P5 Member having VETO Power)
2. Germany’s bid for permanent membership is opposed by Italy & Spain (Both NATO Members along with Germany)
3. Japan’s bid for permanent membership is opposed by South Korea (An Ally of United States & China (A P5 Member having VETO Power)
4. Brazil’s bid for permanent membership is opposed by Argentina.

Contradictory national interests among the P5 members of the UNSC present setback to reform possibilities. When the Inter-Governmental Negotiation (IGN) postponed the process to the next session in 2023, India strongly criticised the conclusion, terming it as “another wasted opportunity.” In spite of India’s constancy to its commitments within the UN, it has time & again expressed across UN platforms that it is prepared to explore alternative routes beyond the IGN to drive UNSC reforms. Similarly, all G4 nations have voiced annoyances over the persistent lack of progress in the reform process. They have together reiterated their displeasure on previous injustices to underrepresented and unrepresented groups and regions on earth.

UNSC Reforms is a common sense proposition. – S Jaishankar, EAM Minister, India, at Raisina Dialogue, Delhi, 2024

The hope of the G4 nations winning permanent membership in the UNSC, complete with veto power, seems increasingly remote given the intricate geopolitical landscape outlined above. Unfortunately, the UN will remain ineffective, bereaved of valid reforms or efficacy in responding to global complexities. Sadly, they may cause a situation of numerous groups aligned by shared interests, complicating the issues for future. For the time being, the world has no options but grapple with a repetition of scenarios—from warfare and militancy to poverty, malnutrition, and weak healthcare—all under the nose of an ineffective United Nations.