Security Council Reformation Amidst Diplomatic Gridlock
- IJLLR Journal
- Jun 1
- 2 min read
Neerav Khare, Astt. Prof., Lloyd Law College, Greater Noida (U.P)
ABSTRACT
The UN Security Council (UNSC) still reflects the post-World War II power structure, not today's global realities. The five permanent members (P5)— China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US—hold veto power, which often leads to paralysis, as seen with Russia’s vetoes on Ukraine-related resolutions. Countries like India, Brazil, Japan, and Germany have become major global players but lack permanent seats. President Biden’s support in 2022 for permanent seats for countries in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean marks a shift toward addressing regional underrepresentation. UN efforts to reform the UNSC have dragged on since 1992 with no concrete results. Intergovernmental negotiations launched in 2008 have failed to yield progress due to the absence of a single negotiating text and broad disagreement among member states. The council is widely viewed as feckless, unjust, and unrepresentative, especially given recent crises like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which highlight its inability to act decisively. The veto power has increasingly come under fire as a tool of obstruction rather than protection. The legitimacy and effectiveness of the Security Council are at risk. Its credibility suffers when it cannot respond to major international crises. There is a clear clash between realism and idealism. P5 interests prevents the ideal of a more equitable and responsive Council. The Biden administration's shift signals growing pressure from the Global South and a recognition that international institutions must adapt or risk irrelevance. Reform proposals often fall into two camps: those prioritizing efficiency (streamlined decision-making) and those emphasizing representation (inclusion of underrepresented regions and emerging powers). The Security Council is facing a crisis of relevance. While the urgency for reform has intensified—especially post-Ukraine invasion—the same structural barriers that have always stymied change remain entrenched. Unless there’s a significant political breakthrough or a galvanizing global consensus, the UNSC risks further erosion of its authority in international peace and security.
Keywords: UNSC, veto Power, invasion, representation.
