Global Policy Forum

The author points to past Security Council failures, citing the Iraq war amongst others, and calls for radical reform of the UN multilateral system by abolishing the Security Council. In its place, he proposes that nationally elected representatives make decisions through the General Assembly based on transparent processes and majority rule. The author further advocates a "gradual shift of military power" from nations to the UN. Radical reform is highly unlikely given national interests and global power structures, and even "pragmatic" reforms do little to shift the balance of power. (ZNet)

Security Council reform was a hot topic at the 2004 General Assembly debates, and Secretary General Kofi Annan's High Level Panel will deliver recommendations for reform in December. Reform, however, is not likely to go further than expanding Council membership. This Guardian article points out that "simply adding a few more seats" is likely to result only in further gridlock," and asks whether expansion will do anything to ensure representation of less wealthy countries, particularly those in Africa, Latin America and the Muslim world.

This BBC Q&A addresses questions such as why the Security Council needs reform, who is pushing for a permanent seat, how strong nations' bids are, and what may be on the agenda for broader UN reform.

Britain's proposed Security Council reforms address current economic and political power realities. The Guardian argues that the reforms amount to "doodling in the margins of the global narrative" because the reforms do not acknowledge the influence of non-state actors, such as activists.

Article 30 of the UN Charter states that the Security Council can "adopt its own rules of procedure." Arguing that this unique privilege keeps the Security Council undemocratic and outdated, the author calls for a change to ensure the equality of all UN member states. (Media Monitors Network)

Jeffrey Laurenti remarks that the issue of Security Council reform - a hot topic in the 1990's - is now a low priority on the global agenda. Rather than continuing the debate in terms of preferential treatment, he suggests re-framing the discussion in terms of Security Council effectiveness in the 21st century. (UNA-USA)

2002

Who's In, Who's Out: UN Security Council Mulls Reform (October 16, 2002)

"Reforms of the UN, including the Security Council, are indispensable," say the leaders of the Group of Eight (G-8) major powers. (Kyodo News Service)

For the first time, the issue of UN Security Council reform will be included in the Group of 8 summit document. The G8 will also discuss problems of "conflict diamonds" in Africa and aim for the elimination of small arms. (Yomiuri Shinbun)

A general discussion of proposals for Security Council reform, and the interest of the permanent 5 members in keeping the status quo. (UN & Conflict Monitor)

In this opinion piece from the South Africa Business Day, the author urges member states to support the UN and advocates broad UN reform measures, such as reshuffling the Security Council and changing budget contribution policies.

In this article, diplomats point out some of the current weaknesses of the Security Council. Are the problems the result of a changing world? or of members' unwillingness to cooperate? (New York Times)

This article says that Council reform in the current General Assembly is increasingly unlikely and may collapse permanently. (Inter Press Service)

Louis B. Sohn, one of the most distinguished legal experts in the United States, discusses non-Charter reform of the Security Council, General Assembly and the International Court of Justice. (American Journal of International Law)