A New Ambassador and a New Reform Plan for the United Nations

Strategic Insights -

A surprise nomination of John Bolton as the US Ambassador to the United Nations has led to a reevaluation of the UN's reform plans and the potential for bipartisan support. The UN's Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, unveiled a comprehensive reform plan, which includes a new peace-building commission, a revamped Human Rights Council, and a definition of terrorism that excludes "freedom fighters." While the plan faces opposition from the Bush administration, particularly over the issue of pre-emptive strikes and the Security Council's veto power, there are signs that the US is moderating its stance on UN reform.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN's reform plan, announced by Secretary-General Kofi Annan, includes a new peace-building commission to prevent failed states, a replacement for the Human Rights Commission, and a definition of terrorism that denies exemptions for "freedom fighters."
  • The plan requires the support of major world powers, including the US, to implement.
  • The US has been traditionally skeptical of UN reform, but the surprise nomination of John Bolton as Ambassador has led to a reevaluation of the organization's potential.
  • The US is interested in seeing a new, more representative UN, with Japan likely to be the initial candidate for a permanent seat.
  • Democrats seem to support the idea of a stronger, more representative UN, while Republicans are more cautious, citing the organization's past failures and perceived anti-Israel stance.

Statistics:

  • 15: The current number of UN Security Council members
  • 24: The proposed number of UN Security Council members
  • 191: The total number of UN member states
  • 2003: The year Kofi Annan declared that the UN had reached a "fork in the road" and set up a panel to recommend reform
  • 2015: The target year for halving extreme poverty, as agreed by several countries

Sources:

  • The Economist - "Country Briefing: A new ambassador and a new reform plan go down better than expected"
  • The Economist - "A new intergovernmental peace-building commission"
  • The Economist - "A replacement for the UN's awful Human Rights Commission"