G4 model for UNSC Reforms

General Studies Paper -2

Context: India has presented a detailed model on behalf of the G4 nations for Security Council reform.

About the G4 Model

• India presented the ‘G4 model’ on behalf of Brazil, Germany, Japan and Indiafor debate, dialogue and finally negotiations.
  • The proposals elicited strong support from wider UN members.
• New Members:It proposes that the Security Council’s membership increase from the current 15 to 25-26, by adding six permanent and four or five non-permanent members.
• Regional Representation:Among the six new permanent members, two each are proposed to be from African states and Asia Pacific states, one from Latin American and Caribbean states; and one from Western European and Other states.
• Flexibility in Veto:The G4 model offered flexibility on the veto, while the new permanent members would, as a principle, have the same responsibilities and obligations as current permanent members, they shall not exercise the veto until a decision on the matter has been taken during a review.
• Permanent Members are not Specified:G4 model does not specify which member states will occupy the new permanent seats.
  • This decision will be made by the General Assembly in a democratic and inclusive election.

About the UNSC

• The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the principal organs of the United Nations, responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
• It was established in 1945as part of the UN Charter and is composed of 15 member states, including five permanent members with veto power—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.
• It is headquartered in New York City.

Need for the Reforms in the UNSC

• Current Composition:The current composition of the Security Council has under-representation and un-representation of key regions.
• Inability to Adress Conflicts: The current composition of the council has an inability to address critical conflicts and maintain international peace and security.
• Changes in World Order:The world has undergone a sea change since 1945 and the new realities need to be reflected in the permanent membership.
  • Any proposal that does not address the issue of representation of the Global South, including Africa, Asia and Latin America, in the permanent category does a grave injustice to the aspirations of developing countries for equality.
• Veto Power: Currently, only the five permanent members hold veto powers and through its use have stalled action in the Council to address global challenges and conflicts such as in Ukraine and Gaza.
  • The remaining 10 nations in the Council are elected to sit as non-permanent members for two-year terms and do not have veto powers.
• Legitimacy:The disproportionate power held by the five permanent members, particularly their veto power, can lead to a perception of unfairness and lack of legitimacy.

Limitations in Introducing the Reforms in UNSC

• Veto Power of Permanent Members:Any reforms to the composition or working methods of the UNSC require the approval of the five permanent members.
  • These countries have divergent interests and are reluctant to support changes that could diminish their influence within the Council.
• Regional Dynamics:Regional rivalries and geopolitical tensions complicate efforts to reform the Council.
• Complexity of the Reform Process:Amending the UN Charter to enact reforms requires a lengthy and complex process involving ratification by a significant number of member states, making it difficult to enact substantive reforms.
• Chinese Opposition:China being a permanent member blocks the growth of India becoming a Permanent Member.

Way Ahead

• It is important that both the permanent and non-permanent membership be representative of the world as it is today, not the world as it existed in the wake of the Second World War.
• Reforms in the UNSC are essential for maintaining its relevance, legitimacy, and effectiveness in addressing the complex security challenges facing the international community in the 21st century.

However, achieving consensus on such reforms among the UN’s member states remains a challenging and ongoing process.