Global Politics in Crisis: 21st Century America and United Nations Security Council Reform
Standing
Undergraduate
Type of Proposal
Oral Research Presentation
Challenges Theme
Open Challenge
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. John Sutcliffe
Proposal
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has experienced its share of difficulties since its inception. An organization charged with maintaining global peace and security should serve the interests of humanity and equally represent the globe. Despite having distinct roles and philosophies, the General Assembly and the Security Council collaborate to maintain a functioning international institution. The Council's dynamics can be explained by theories of international relations, and past successes and failures provide a useful perspective. Despite calls from the international community, the Council has received numerous reform proposals that have not yet resulted in much. The United States has traditionally played a significant role in international relations as a P5 member, and Joe Biden, the country's current president, has made serious claims calling for reform. Although the Trump administration is an outlier in this regard, there are parallels between the Biden administration's support for Security Council reform and earlier US administrations' positions. Compared to other administrations, Biden has a strong dedication to Council reform. This paper contends that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine was the cause of this greater dedication.
Grand Challenges
Viable, Healthy and Safe Communities
Global Politics in Crisis: 21st Century America and United Nations Security Council Reform
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has experienced its share of difficulties since its inception. An organization charged with maintaining global peace and security should serve the interests of humanity and equally represent the globe. Despite having distinct roles and philosophies, the General Assembly and the Security Council collaborate to maintain a functioning international institution. The Council's dynamics can be explained by theories of international relations, and past successes and failures provide a useful perspective. Despite calls from the international community, the Council has received numerous reform proposals that have not yet resulted in much. The United States has traditionally played a significant role in international relations as a P5 member, and Joe Biden, the country's current president, has made serious claims calling for reform. Although the Trump administration is an outlier in this regard, there are parallels between the Biden administration's support for Security Council reform and earlier US administrations' positions. Compared to other administrations, Biden has a strong dedication to Council reform. This paper contends that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine was the cause of this greater dedication.