The UN Security Council and the Maintenance of Peace in a Changing World

The UN Security Council plays a crucial role in maintaining international peace and security during times of heightened tensions, global polarisation, and contestation about the principles underlying the international legal and political order. Experts from diverse backgrounds discuss the Council's historical development, functions, deficits, and tensions, and explore three approaches: a power-focused approach, an institutionalist perspective, and a regionalist perspective, to address these challenges and promote cooperation towards international peace and security.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 322 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) plays a crucial role in maintaining international peace and security amidst heightened tensions, global polarisation, and contestation about the principles underlying the international legal and political order. In this Trialogue, a diverse group of experts with backgrounds in geography, socio-legal studies, and ideology offer their perspectives on the Security Council's historical development, current functions, and areas of improvement. Three distinct approaches are explored: a power-focused approach that highlights China's emerging role as a significant actor; an institutionalist perspective that examines how less powerful states, particularly the elected members of the Security Council, can exert influence and promote rule-of-law standards; and a regionalist perspective that explores how the Security Council can collaborate with regional organisations to maintain international peace and security.

The UNSC's historical development has been marked by significant milestones and challenges. Initially established as the League of Nations' Security Council in 1945, it was tasked with maintaining international peace and security. However, the Council's effectiveness was limited due to its composition, which was dominated by the major powers of the time. The Cold War further complicated the Council's role, as it became a forum for proxy conflicts between the United States and the Soviet Union.

In the post-Cold War era, the Security Council underwent a significant reform process. The expansion of membership in 1965 and 1971 brought in more diverse perspectives and increased the Council's legitimacy. However, the Council still faced challenges, such as the lack of a permanent seat for Africa and the veto power held by the permanent five members.

The present functions of the UNSC include the prevention and resolution of conflicts, the promotion of peace and security, and the maintenance of international law and order. The Council is responsible for issuing resolutions that address global challenges such as terrorism, human rights violations, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It also plays a key role in peacekeeping operations, providing military and logistical support to missions in conflict areas.

Despite its successes, the UNSC faces several challenges. One of the most significant is the lack of consensus among its members on issues of international importance. The Council's five permanent members, including the United States, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom, have veto power, which can block resolutions and impede progress. This has led to tensions and deadlocks, particularly in cases where the interests of major powers clash.

Another challenge is the growing influence of non-traditional actors, such as regional organisations and non-governmental organisations, in international affairs. These actors often have different perspectives and priorities than the major powers, and their involvement in the Security Council can complicate decision-making processes.

To address these challenges, there are several proposals for reforming the UNSC. One of the most prominent is the expansion of the Council's permanent membership to include more diverse countries, particularly those from Africa and the Middle East. This would increase the Council's legitimacy and representativeness and help to break the deadlock of the permanent five members.

Another proposal is to strengthen the Council's role in conflict resolution and peacekeeping operations. This could involve increasing the number of peacekeeping missions and providing more resources and support to them. The Council could also develop new mechanisms for conflict resolution, such as mediation and arbitration, to help resolve disputes without resorting to military force force.

In conclusion, the UNSC plays a critical role in maintaining international peace and security amidst heightened tensions, global polarisation, and contestation about the principles underlying the international legal and political order. While the Council has made significant progress in recent years, there is still room for improvement. By expanding its membership, strengthening its role in conflict resolution and peacekeeping operations, and developing new mechanisms for conflict resolution, the UNSC can better address the challenges facing the international community and promote a more peaceful and stable world.

Weight: 468g
ISBN-13: 9781009423441