Prospects for UN Security Council reform

Oleg Opanasenko

Prospects for UN Security Council reform

Oleg Opanasenko

Abstract

The study aimed to comprehensively examine the prospects for reforming the United Nations Security Council, considering its response and role in key military conflicts from 2011 to 2024. A detailed analysis of the Security Council’s response to conflicts in Syria, Ukraine, Yemen, Libya, South Sudan, Mali, and Myanmar revealed various systemic issues in its functioning. In particular, it was found that the veto power of permanent members frequently leads to decision making paralysis, especially when a conflict affects their geopolitical interests. The main reform proposals for the Security Council were examined, including expanding its membership, reforming the veto power, increasing transparency, and adapting its mandate to new security challenges. An assessment of the potential effectiveness of these proposals indicated that the most radical changes, such as expanding permanent membership or abolishing the veto power, face significant geopolitical and institutional obstacles. The analysis of key factors influencing the prospects for implementing the proposed reforms revealed that the geopolitical interests of major states remain the primary obstacle to large-scale structural changes. An assessment of the feasibility of these reforms in the current geopolitical context indicated that gradual changes aimed at enhancing transparency, inclusivity, and the effectiveness of the Security Council’s work are the most likely. Meanwhile, extensive structural reforms have a low probability of being implemented in the short term. The study expanded the understanding of the complex nature of the United Nations Security Council reform process and highlighted the need to seek compromise solutions that accommodate the interests of different groups of states while maintaining the effectiveness of this key global security body

Keywords

global governance; diplomacy; geopolitics; veto; permanent membership; sanctions

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Suggested citation

Opanasenko, O. (2025). Prospects for UN Security Council reform. Foreign Affairs, 35(1), 96-110. https://doi.org/10.59214/2663- 2675.35(1).2025.96