The Security Council is paralysed, but the UN is not broken, says UNSG Guterres
Mr. Guterres, in Delhi for BRICS Summit, commends India’s efforts at mediation between Russia and Ukraine, clarifies map controversy
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Context
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized the current state of global leadership, particularly highlighting the paralysis within the UN Security Council (UNSC). Speaking at the 18th summit, he noted a culture of 'impunity' among global superpowers and underscored the urgent need for UN reform amid ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine. This highlights the growing frustration with the UNSC's inability to maintain international peace and security.
UPSC Perspectives
Polity & Governance
The core issue highlighted is the structural paralysis of the (UNSC), primarily due to the veto power held by the P5 (Permanent Five: US, UK, France, Russia, China). This veto power often leads to a deadlock, preventing the UNSC from taking decisive action on critical global security issues, as seen in the recent conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The UNSG's criticism underscores the need for institutional reform to make the UNSC more representative of the contemporary geopolitical reality. For UPSC Mains, understanding the arguments for and against UNSC expansion, India's quest for a permanent seat, and the various reform models (like the G4 proposal) is crucial. The paralysis also raises questions about the effectiveness of multilateralism and the future role of the UN in global governance.
International Relations
The UNSG's comments reflect the broader crisis in global governance, where traditional multilateral institutions are struggling to manage contemporary geopolitical tensions. The mention of the summit is significant; platforms like BRICS are increasingly seen as alternatives or complementary to Western-dominated institutions like the UN. This shift indicates a transition towards a multipolar world order, where middle powers and regional alliances are asserting more influence. Furthermore, the UNSG's observation of a 'culture of impunity' points to the weakening of international law and norms, where powerful states act without fear of accountability. Aspirants should focus on how this changing dynamic impacts India's foreign policy, particularly its strategy of multi-alignment (engaging with various global powers simultaneously) and its role as a voice for the Global South.
Geopolitics
The interview touches upon specific geopolitical flashpoints: the Israel-Gaza conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war. These conflicts highlight the limitations of the UNSC in conflict resolution and the increasing role of individual nations or smaller coalitions in mediation efforts. The mention of India's efforts in the Russia-Ukraine war emphasizes India's growing diplomatic footprint and its potential role as a peace-builder. The 'controversy of a new UN resolution on the world map' likely refers to ongoing disputes over territorial sovereignty and how they are represented internationally, which often become proxy battles for broader geopolitical influence. Students should map these conflicts, understand the historical context, and analyze the interests of major powers involved, as these are frequent topics in the GS Paper 2 (International Relations) section.