Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the issue of reform for the United Nations SecurityCouncil. The writer looks at the world's primary instrument for maintaining international order and peace. Further, the writer discusses various proposals and argues that enlarging the structure of the SecurityCouncil would be beneficial.
From the Paper "Inside the United Nations and in both the halls of governments and the popular press, a debate has raged over various proposals to reform the Security Council, to make that organ's membership less exclusive and to improve its capacity to function in response to various crises and issues. As Marianne Hanson commented, the United Nations' Security Council U.N.S.C. remains the world's primary instrument for maintaining international peace and security. Various reform proposals have been put forward reflecting the recognition on the part of ... "
Tags: United Nations, SecurityCouncil, international relations.
Abstract This paper reviews the debate over the need for reform of the United Nations (UN) securitycouncil. It provides a history of the securitycouncil and discusses the proposed reforms. The paper argues that securitycouncilreform is both necessary and yet unlikely for the foreseeable future given the conflicting national interests of the current Veto-holding permanent members of the securitycouncil.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Origins and Structure of the SecurityCouncil The Current Reform Proposals
Two-Track Reform and the Resistance to Change
From the Paper "In general, there exist two tracks or reform paths that are currently being pursued at the international level. The first of these is a proposal by the Group of Four (G4) countries (Japan, Germany, Brazil and India) that would give them, along with two African nations, permanent seats at the Security Council, with three new rotating memberships. This would expand the total membership of the Security Council to 25. The second was the more vague proposal, made by the Secretary Generals Panel of Eminent Persons in 2005, that did not endorse a specific plan but rather two general options for reform: (1) increasing the number of permanent and non-permanent members; or (2) enlarging the Council only with non-permanent members, but whose terms are longer than the current two year limit and who have the capacity to run for re-election (Crook 2005; Forman 2005)."
Tags: G4, secretary, general, policy, international
Abstract This essay discusses reform efforts and proposals, arguing that a revised and enlarged structure of the SecurityCouncil would benefit all members and improve the effectiveness of this important UN organ.
From the Paper "Inside the United Nations and in both the halls of governments and the popular press, a debate has raged over various proposals to reform the Security Council to make that organ's membership less exclusive and to improve its capacity to function in response to various crises and issues. As Marianne Hanson commented, "the United Nations" Security Council (UNSC) remains the world's primary instrument for maintaining international peace and security.? Various reform proposals have been put forward, reflecting the recognition on the part of many different actors and policymakers that the Security Council would benefit from fundamental changes."
Abstract This paper examines why there is general agreement around the world that the United Nations SecurityCouncil is in thorough need of reform, for it has failed many times to meet its responsibility to prevent regional conflicts. The paper addresses this problem by establishing that these failures have been due primarily to fundamental structural and procedural flaws in the SecurityCouncil's composition and methods of debate.
From the Paper The United Nations Security Council: Issues of Reform Part A Introduction There is general agreement around the world that the United Nations Security Council is in thorough need of reform, for it has failed many times to meet its responsibility to prevent regional conflicts. I propose to address this problem by establishing that these failures have been due primarily to fundamental structural and procedural flaws in the Security Council's composition and methods of debate. In the process, I would emphasize that the Council's lack of formal authority to enforce its decisions is another inherent flaw, which compounds its structural and procedural flaws."
Abstract This paper makes an attempt to trace the history of performance of the United Nations SecurityCouncil and purposes for which the veto has been used. It also discusses the various reform proposals and their supposed effectiveness in meeting the objectives of reforms. Finally, the paper presents a blueprint of a proposed reforms package.
Outline
The Main Problems of the SecurityCouncil The Past as Prelude
The Reform Proposals
What Dent the Proposed Reforms Can Make-Can they Democratize the SecurityCouncil?
A Proposed Blueprint
From the Paper "The reform of the Security Council has been on the international agenda for quite some time. Even by conservative standards, there seems to be an agreement on the existence of certain problems with the Security Council structure. Based on who happened to be on the winning side of the war 60 years ago, it is not representative of United Nations membership and out of key with the United Nations' Charter requirement of "equitable geographical distribution" of seats. It could reasonably be argued that the original 1945 bargain, which conceded privileges to certain nations in return for commitment, has broken down and should be revisited."
Abstract This paper suggests that the UN SecurityCouncil needs to reform if it is to effectively manage peace and maintain peace in the New World Order.
Abstract This paper looks at Iran's dealings with the UN SecurityCouncil and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding Iran's nuclear capacity. The paper discusses the sanctions established by the SecurityCouncil because international inspectors were unable to certify that there were no undeclared nuclear activities in Iran or that Iran's motives were entirely peaceful. The paper also shows how it is not easy to simply believe that Iran's nuclear program is "entirely peaceful". The paper is of the opnion that until Iran responds to the questions raised by the latest IAEA report, is transparent with inspectors, and provides the necessary documents and interviews with concerned personnel, the Council is wise to authorize such sanctions upon Iran. The paper includes footnotes in place of a bibliography.
From the Paper "This issue with Iran's nuclear capacity and the seemingly growing problem within the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) began as early as 2002 when during his State of the Union address, Pres. Bush named Iran as part of the "axis of evil" after a few months following close coordination between Iran and the US against the Taliban in Afghanistan. From then on Iran has managed to increase their capability for uranium-enrichment drawing both protests from the UN Security Council and the ire of the IAEA. Iran categorically stated that their nuclear activities are purely for peaceful purposes like electricity generation and water treatment to name a few. The mere fact that information was discovered that Iran camouflaged its nuclear activities for 18 years was in breach of its duties and obligations as a member under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)."
Abstract This paper examines one of the ways in which the Chilean armed forces have continued to exert power and influence in post-dictatorship Chile -through the National SecurityCouncil, a quasi-governmental institution given the role of convening to discuss threats to national security. This paper shows how, due to the failures of the council to engage in legitimate national security discourse as well as the symbolic nature of this tool of military intervention, it is in actuality a body that is not conducive to the furthering of unity, stability, and democracy within Chile.
From the Paper "Although the power and influence of the military has been diminished since the end of the Pinochet dictatorship in 1990, the Chilean armed forces nonetheless have managed to maintain a substantial political and civilian role in Chilean society after the transition back to democracy. One of the most important manifestations of this lingering power and influence has been the National Security Council, a near-perfect representation not only of the Chilean military's perpetual political ambitions but also of its fixation upon the notion of ?national security.? The symbolism of this institution has consequently cast the very existence of the National Security Council in the national spotlight, and it has been one of the most debated and controversial issues of contemporary Chilean politics, especially in the current administration of Socialist Ricardo Lagos. The negative consequences of a sustained opportunity for military involvement in civilian and political affairs, even on a seemingly small scale, such as exists with the National Security Council in its present form is not conducive to further democratic growth and unity in Chilean society. What this paper aims to do is identify the importance of the National Security Council in its implications on civilian-military relations, national unity, stability, and democracy, and to explain how it is an obstacle to these principles."
Abstract This paper provides an overview of the SecurityCouncil in terms of its structure and objectives. It proceeds to discuss the effect of veto power of the permanent members over the effectiveness of the SecurityCouncil in maintaining peace by highlighting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Finally the paper concludes by providing details of solutions being proposed.
Abstract In this article, the writer points out that the National SecurityCouncil or NSC was created and established by the National Security Act of 1947. The writer notes that the NSC is the US President's principal forum for matters concerning national security and foreign policy. Further, the writer discusses that the establishment of the NSC has been the response to the need of each administration to develop and perfect a reliable set of executive institutions for managing national security policy. The writer notes that each President was guided by the deficiencies of his predecessors and wanted to set up a system that would reflect his individual or preferred management style. The writer relates that the NSC has, thus, been modified to suit the needs and preferences of each administration.
From the Paper "The establishment of the NSC has been the response to the need of each administration to develop and perfect a reliable set of executive institutions, which would manage its national security policy. Each President was guided by the deficiencies of his predecessors and wanted to set up a system, which would reflect his individual or preferred management style. The NSC has, thus, been modified to suit the needs and preferences of each administration. The National Security Act of July 26, 1947 created the NSC with the President as Chairman and the Secretaries of State and Defense as its key members. Its principal function is to coordinate foreign policy and defense policy and incorporate diplomatic and military requirements. It also provided for a Secretary of Defense, a National Military Establishment, a Central Intelligence Agency and a National Security Resources Board. Because the NSC was several times modified to adapt to the preferences of each President, it came to be viewed as subservient to him alone. And because its role is to establish collegiality among the departments, it also came to be viewed as a means to controlling and managing opposed departments."
Abstract This paper describes the origins and organizational structure of the National SecurityCouncil, as well as how its style, vision, and requirements change with each new president and administration.
From the Paper "The NSC was ratified by the National Security Act of July 26, 1947. The organization fell under the chairmanship of the President of the United States and included the Secretaries of State and Defense as its key members. It is the ?highest committee in the executive branch of the federal government for the resolution of national security and foreign policy questions.? (Elder 13) One of the essential tasks of the NSC is ?to coordinate foreign policy and defense policy, and to reconcile diplomatic and military commitments and requirements.? (History of the National Security Council) Furthermore, the creation of the NSC also provides for ?a Secretary of Defense, a National Military Establishment, Central Intelligence Agency, and National Security Resources Board.? (ibid) It has four statutory members: the President, the Vice President, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense."
Abstract This paper discusses how, as with any large bureaucratic organization, the United Nations is fraught with ineffectiveness and organizational disarray and how, in particular, recent crises such as the Iraqi Oil for Food Scandal and the un-answered genocide in Darfur have revealed an organization ill suited for the emerging 21st century and the problems that it bears. The paper attempts to analyze some of the proposed measures currently being considered in an effort to best determine the most effective and meaningful route through which reformation measures can be taken.
Outline:
The Issue
Background
Policy Alternatives
From the Paper "he first approach and most direct approach to UNSC reformation would be centered on the adoption of Frm. Sec. Annan's for mentioned "In Larger Freedom"(Annan2005) outline. The most crucial element of this particular reform measure is its focus on the increase of permanent seats to the existing UNSC Model. "Freedom" focuses in particular on the inclusion of the G4 nations of Japan, Germany, India, and Brazil. The focus is on these nations in an attempt to better emphasize the shifting global power paradigms of the 21st century. Each of the mentioned candidates has emerged into the new century as powerful economic nations and better reflect a more modern approach to collective security. "
Abstract This paper focuses on analyzing a particular aspect of the National Security Strategy, that is, NSS-2002. It uses the National SecurityCouncil Report 68 (NSC-68) as a reference point to understand the difference in the perceptions of threat facing the United States and the difference between the two policies. The connection between the two policies highlights some political, economic, and cultural realms that have been affected by the dimensions of the policy. Overall, it is clear that US foreign policy is reactive rather than preventative, since both NSS-2002 and NSC-68 were devised to counter, rather than to prohibit actions that were seen as harmful to the United States. The paper concludes that even domestic policies necessarily affect global economy, due to the integration of societies, thus careful consideration of foreign policy on use of power is imperative.
Outline:
Introduction
National Security Strategy (NSS-2002) and NSC-68: A Critical Review
Conclusion
From the Paper "What are the similarities and differences between the NSS-2002 and the NSC-68? There is the common misconception that the NSS-2002 is simple about combating terrorism. As can be clearly seen from the eight principles outlines, the NSS-2002 surpasses combating terrorism, but has an overarching aim of promoting free trade and combating all aspects of terrorism. It is necessary to distinguish between state-sponsored and non-state sponsored terrorism, so as to understand how the NSS-2002 integrates all aspects of threats irrespective or origin and devises mechanisms to combat these issues."
Tags: foreign, policy, economy, terrorism, military, force
Abstract This paper discusses the books of Amy Zegart and John Prados and their views on national security organizations in the United States. The joint chiefs of staff, the national securitycouncil, and the central intelligence agency are all discussed within the paper. The general consensus of the authors is that each of these organizations was formed to be temporary forms within the government, and they have lasted since 1947 as political machines that answer to no one.
From the Paper "Flawed by design: The evolution of the CIA, JCS, and NSC, a book by author Amy Zegart (1999), takes a detailed look at both the structure and the historical perspective of matters that deal with the country's national interests. The Joint Chiefs of Staff, the National Security Council, and the Central Intelligence Agency are the main topics of Zegart's book. John Prados (1992), author of Keeper of the keys: A history of the national security council from Truman to Bush, also discusses issues of national interest from the perspective of a man who has been part of the United States government for many years. Both of these authors attempt to explore those elements of our nation's government that have seen at least a decade of close scrutiny because of lapses in judgment, the protection of our country, and the impact that these organizations have had on our lives as American citizens."
Abstract The writer of this paper argues that the United Nations, although having achieved minor accomplishments in the area of maintenance of peace and security, can, generally speaking, not be considered a successful international organization. Instead, the United Nations has failed on a number of times throughout the past to maintain international peace and security. These failures were in situations where peace and security were reasonable outcomes. So, therefore, the UN is obviously not working to the best of its ability. To argue this point, the paper begins with an extensive analysis of the United Nations and its failures in the maintenance of international peace and security through two specific case studies, Rwanda, and most recently, Iraq. It then discusses the limited successes of the UN and examines the possible reasons for its overall failure to address the maintenance of international peace and security adequately and consistently. Finally, the writer briefly proposes possible reforms that the UN could adopt in order for the organization to operate more effectively in the international environment.
From the Paper "The UN has many areas in which it could improve through reform. Due to the limited word count, I have chosen to not discuss this topic in too much depth. The areas of reform seem obvious from the problems I have mentioned previously. For the UN to succeed, the world community must match the demands made on the organisation by the resources given to it . Strong and sustained political support from Member States , rapid deployments of all peacekeeping and peacemaking troops with a robust force posture and sound peace-building strategies are all necessary in improving the UN. There have been a number of attempts at addressing the issue of reform. These include the Brahimi report, which was commissioned by the UN Secretary General to address the past weaknesses and failures of the UN with regard to peace and security and An Agenda for Peace, written by Boutros Boutros Ghali, the former Secretary General. Both reports recognised problems with the UN's capacity to maintain world peace but many of the recommendations that were suggested were not implemented. In order for the UN to be successful in maintaining international peace and security, reforms have to not only be recognised, but also implemented."
