Paper: GS-II | Subject: International Relations | Topic: Important International Institutions and Their Structure and Mandate | Issue: Challenges to Multilateralism and the Effectiveness of the United Nations
Context
As the UN prepares to select its tenth Secretary-General, its ability to organise collective action faces growing doubts. Unilateral decisions, great-power rivalry, competing international forums and financial pressures are weakening trust in UN-led multilateralism.
Explanation
Challenges or Limitations
- Geopolitical rivalries increasingly obstruct collective security as powerful countries protect their strategic interests and allies.
- Veto paralysis prevents decisive action: Russia blocked a resolution on Ukraine in 2022, while the US vetoed a Gaza ceasefire proposal in 2025.
- Rising unilateralism weakens shared decision-making, illustrated by the United States’ withdrawal from the UN-linked World Health Organization in 2026.
- Parallel forums such as the G20, BRICS and Quad increasingly attract diplomatic attention, sometimes fragmenting cooperation despite complementing UN efforts.
- Weak compliance reduces credibility: the General Assembly demanded Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine in 2022 but could not compel implementation.
- Limited enforcement makes UN action dependent on member states for peacekeepers, sanctions and military support, rather than an independent standing army.
- Funding shortages disrupt operations; unpaid peacekeeping contributions reached approximately $4.1 billion in September 2026.
- Unequal representation undermines legitimacy because Africa’s 54 UN member states have no permanent Security Council seat.
- New challenges, including AI-enabled warfare and climate finance, demand collective rules that governments struggle to negotiate and implement.
India’s Initiatives
- India advocates reformed multilateralism and works with Brazil, Germany and Japan through the G4 to expand Security Council representation.
- India also contributes personnel to UN peacekeeping missions, demonstrating practical support for international conflict resolution.
Way Forward
- Expand Council representation, increase accountability for veto use and ensure timely payment of mandatory contributions.
- Strengthen preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping support and measurable international commitments on climate action and AI safety.
- The UN80 reform initiative seeks to improve efficiency, but administrative changes cannot replace political cooperation among members.
- An independent Secretary-General can rebuild trust and encourage cooperation, but meaningful reform ultimately requires member states’ political commitment.
Conclusion
The UN’s crisis reflects weakening respect for collective rules, not simply a shortage of effective leadership. Renewed multilateralism requires political cooperation, credible enforcement, representative institutions and reliable funding.
Source: (The Indian Express)
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