Short essay: Security Council Reform In The United Nations and Changing World Politics (Westview Press, 2007), the author argues that "a significant shake-up in the way the UN does business is essential" if the UN is to keep pace with changing world - published: 10/02/2010

Abstract

The UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, called in September 2003 for the reform of the UN Security Council (UNSC), in order to make it more effective and more representative, given the changed geopolitical realities. Diverse problems affect both the efficiency and the representative character of the UNSC like the the veto power and the number and nature of the permanent and non-permanent members. Criticisms are numerous, blaming a 'nuclear powers club' and a no longer legitimate veto power for some of the permanent members that are not top countries anymore, such as Britain and France. Is democratic representation appealed by the members of the UN, or at least by the most powerful ones who would have to renounce to their dominant position in the Security Council? Will the UN have to choose between democracy and efficiency?