Addressing power dynamics in multilateralism: the gap in power norms between permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council
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Abstract
The international community almost universally agrees that the current state of the United Nations Security Council requires structural reform from its representation, and working methods reform regarding its procedures. Recent events, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza, have only exacerbated the need for reform, as the Security Council has repeatedly failed to fulfill its purpose in the “maintenance of international peace and security.” Given that much of the body’s failures come from aspects of the control held by the Permanent Five, based on the deadlock caused by exercised vetos to exclusionary behaviors, faith in the body’s abilities has declined. Reform efforts struggle as the few reform blocs in circulation clash in their approaches, and the Permanent Five are split in reform stances. This paper aims to address these challenges in a two-tiered approach through structural reform, which addresses the body's composition, and reforming working methods to improve practices towards promoting transparency, inclusivity, and accountability.
From the perspective of a think tank, three different packaged policy approaches are taken into consideration within this paper, addressed to the Open-Ended Working Group on the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Other Matters Related to the Security Council. Option One, accelerating accountability and action through working methods reform; Option Two, enhancing procedural reform and phased enlargement with deferred veto review; Option Three, representative expansion and working methods reform. Given thorough considerations within the policy methodology and analyses, Option Two outlines the best policy solution addressing the challenges discussed throughout this paper. Lastly, the paper will present the implementation plan necessary for Option Two’s success.