THE CONTEXT: At the opening of the 55th regular session of the Human Rights Council, the UN Secretary General remarked that the ‘lack of unity’ amongst UNSC members had perhaps undermined its authority. This indicates towards the troubled state of the world order which is in need of structural reforms.
THE ISSUES:
- Outdated Power Structures: Power structures are locked in the past, such as the permanent veto power of the first victors of World War II in the UNSC and the governance structures of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Hence, they are seen as out of touch with the current global realities.
- Challenges of Decolonization and Global Governance: The order of post-World War II was primarily established by colonial powers, and despite the decolonization process, the institutions they created still reflect an imbalance in power. The problems developing countries and former colonies encounter are highlighted in influencing these institutions because of the veto power and voting rights structures.
- Rise of Alternative Institutions and Movements: The development of alternative groups and organizations such as the Non-Aligned Movement, G-77, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and others is an embodiment of the disapproval of the current global governance structure and attempts by these alternatives to gain and exert functional influence or to offer workable substitutes due to their limitations or the diversity and complexity of their membership.
- Global Crises Exposing Systemic Weaknesses: Recent global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and several conflicts, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Gaza conflict, have revealed and magnified the flaws in the UN-led system to support cooperation globally, observe human rights, and manage conflicts well.
- Questioning the Legitimacy and Effectiveness of the UN: The growing tendency by more powerful states to circumvent the UN or doubt its authority and functionality, especially when backing certain states or causes (i.e., in this case, Israel) becomes paramount over the principles the UN was created to uphold, such as human rights and the genocide convention.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Reforming the UNSC: There is a need to reform the UNSC to reflect the newer global power dynamics. This can be done by increasing the members to have new permanent and non-permanent members from regions that have been left out, restructuring the veto powers and bringing mechanisms that enhance a greater level of unity and constructive dialogue among the members.
- Revise Voting Rights and Governance Structures: Concerning institutions like the IMF and the World Bank, adjusting voting rights and governance structures by accounting for the current economic situation and the member states’ contributions would increase legitimacy and effectiveness. This may involve the re-alignment of votes within the UN to enhance the power of the emerging economies and the development of leadership poles that are democratically selected rather than the traditional geopolitical allocations.
- Strengthen Multilateralism: Stronger multilateral relations and commitments among nations are required to solve global challenges more effectively. It also implies revitalizing the existing international treaties and conventions and creating new treaties to address modern problems like cyber security, climate change, and global health security.
- Enhance Global Governance Frameworks: Form and operationalize models enabling the UN to function in a handshake with various ad hoc international groupings (the G-20, EU, ASEAN, etc.) and regional organizations. That would also further facilitate the possibility of a concerted approach towards global challenges where regional institutions’ actions would fit in and complement the more universal global objectives.
- Empower Civil Society and Non-State Actors: Enabling civil society organizations and other non-state actors to become more active and influential in the decision-making processes at the UN and other international organizations would promote a broader range of views and expertise. It could also embrace establishing formal mechanisms for participation, consultation, and influence that reflect the diversity and multi-dimensionality of global stakeholders.
THE CONCLUSION:
Based on the absolute authority of powerful forces, the current global system is ineffective in dealing with global crises. We need to demand action plans for a fair redistribution of resources and focus on creating a harmonious society. Together, we can achieve peacekeeping and a better world for all.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1) The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the world’s economic and financial order structure. The World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, but their roles, functions, and mandates are distinctly different. Elucidate. (2013)
Q.2) What are the critical areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of the ‘Trade War’, especially considering India’s interests? (2018)
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1) Discuss the challenges and inadequacies faced by the United Nations in the current global order. Evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of potential reforms to strengthen global governance in the 21st century.
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