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Archived Documents and Articles on Security Council Reform

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Archived Articles and Documents

 

2004


A Radical Vision for the Future of the UN (October 24, 2004)

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)

All Change but No Change (October 20, 2004)

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.

A New UN Security Council? (September 27, 2004)

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.

2003

Governing the Globe (June 14, 2003)

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.

The In-Security Council - Dump It or Grow It? (May 12, 2003)

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 Arguing that this unique privilege keeps the Security Council undemocratic and outdated, the author calls for a change to ensure the equality of all UN member states.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)

Reforming the United Nations Security Council: Will its Time Ever Come? (March 17, 2003)

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)

As the five permanent members of the UN Security Council negotiate a resolution on Iraq, the Christian Science Monitor discusses the question of Security Council reform. After nine years of discussion, nations cannot find agreement on expending the size of the Council adding new Permanent Members, or other changes, though all agree that reform is needed.

2000

G-8 Reiterates Need for UN Security Council Reform (July 23, 2000)

"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)

G-8 Foreign Ministers to Discuss UNSC Reform (July 7, 2000)

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)

The P5 and the Slow Pace of Security Council Reform (Spring 2000)

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)

1999

Countries Must Fall in Line to Promote Annan's Vision (June 17, 1999)

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.

UN Security Council Relegated to Sidelines (March 14, 1999)

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)

1997

Plans Dim for Security Council Reform (November 21, 1997)

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

Important Improvements in the Functioning of the Principal Organs of the UN that Can Be Made Without Charter Revision (October 1997)

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)

 

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