Mentor’s Comment

The article reviews the United Nations (UN) at 80 years, analysing its evolution, global role, and urgent need for institutional reform. It explores India’s position on UNSC restructuring, challenges of multilateralism, and the UN’s normative impact on global governance. For UPSC aspirants, the theme directly links with GS Paper II, international institutions, global order, and India’s diplomacy.

Introduction

Formed after World War II to preserve peace and promote human dignity, the UN evolved from a Cold War arena to a forum for cooperative problem-solving. The institution remains indispensable but requires deep reform to stay relevant in a multipolar and interconnected world.

Reforming the UN: Adapting to a Shifting Global Order

1. Foundational Context: Established in 1945 as a peace mechanism ensuring collective security, equality of states, and global legal order
2. Changing Landscape: Transitioned from bipolarity (US–USSR) to unipolarity and now multipolarity marked by fragmented alliances and transnational threats such as climate change and cyber warfare.
3. Institutional Lag: UNSC composition reflects post-1945 power hierarchy. Exclusion of emerging powers, India, Japan, Germany, Brazil, South Africa, undermines legitimacy and efficiency.
4. Legitimacy and Representation: Outdated representation erodes the Council’s credibility, weakening enforcement capacity and consensus-building.

UN’s Humanitarian and Normative Relevance

1. Humanitarian Operations: UNHCR, WFP, and UNICEF deliver critical relief during conflicts and disasters, providing food, shelter, and protection.
2. Peacekeeping Mandate: Blue Helmets ensure limited stability in fragile regions, sustaining fragile ceasefires and aiding post-conflict recovery.
3. Norm Creation: UN conventions and declarations define global standards for human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development.
   The SDGs (2015) frame a universal agenda for inclusive and sustainable growth.
4. Symbolic Value: Represents a global forum for dialogue, ensuring that multilateralism remains the default mechanism for peace and justice.

Institutional Weaknesses and Reform Imperatives

1. Erosion of Liberal Multilateralism: Rising nationalism and protectionism weaken commitment to collective decision-making.
2. Structural Constraints: Permanent members’ veto power perpetuates paralysis in humanitarian crises.
3. Financial Fragility: Budgetary shortfalls from delayed dues (notably by major contributors) constrain operational capacity and staffing.
4. Operational Agility: Requires digitisation, decentralised response mechanisms, and enhanced decision-making authority at field levels.

India’s Strategic Position in Global Governance

1. India’s Credentials: World’s largest democracy, major troop-contributor to peacekeeping missions, and growing economic power.
2. UNSC Reform Advocacy: Demands structural reform ensuring equitable and inclusive representation of developing nations.
3. Strategic Autonomy: Follows independent policy avoiding bloc alignment while protecting regional and developmental interests.
4. Vision for Reform: Supports dignity-based multilateralism ensuring sovereignty, cooperation, and equity among nations.

Mandate for Renewal and Reform

1. Council Reconfiguration: Expands permanent and non-permanent seats to reflect current geopolitical realities.
2. Institutional Agility: Enhances crisis responsiveness through digital integration, rapid funding, and empowered missions.
3. Moral Authority: Restores credibility by reaffirming adherence to international law and ethical neutrality in decision-making.
4. Member-State Commitment: Ensures predictable funding and sustained political backing from member nations to strengthen UN institutions.

Conclusion

The UN remains a vital, evolving institution balancing ideals with realpolitik. Its effectiveness depends on reform, representation, and renewed moral purpose. Relevance in the 21st century rests on its ability to become more inclusive, responsive, and legitimate.

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