November 29, 2004
 

Reports indicate that a committee setup to reform the UN Security Council has recommended a multi-tiered setup focussing on expanding membership but ensuring that the veto power rested with the existing five permanent members. One option recommended is to have eight semi-permanent members with a term of four years. This is something which India, and quite a few other contenders, are bound to feel uncomfortable with. With apologies to George Orwell, it simply means 'All UNSC permanent members are permanent but some members are more permanent than others'.

Having limited period terms is something Pakistan will support, since it means that India will not be a permanent voice. From whatever I've read, India is assured of support from the UK, France and Russia. It'd be tough for the US and China to support India's bid when they flirt with Pakistan. Ironic that the last time the UNSC was expanded, it was when China was admitted - with India proposing its inclusion!

There is no guarantee that this reform will happen. One country or the other is bound to scuttle it. Should the European Union be a member? Will China's distrust of Japan result in it using the veto? A few months ago, there were questions asked about whether India should even bother lobbying for a permanent UNSC slot given its irrelevance in the current unipolar world. Perhaps the question should be what India can achieve with that status rather than should India aspire to that status.

The Global Policy Forum has a nice, comprehensive set of links related to the debate on the reform as well as various proposals which have been put forward.

Rambled @ 7:39 PM

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