September 17, 2024
Richard Gowan discusses the major challenges facing the United Nations in the emergence of the phenomenon of an intensifying fragmentation of the international system. Gowan begins by framing the UN’s traditional role as a stabilizing platform where countries could address global challenges collaboratively. However, he asserts that in the recent past, geopolitical conflicts, especially among system members spearheaded by such countries as the US, China, and Russia, have weakened the unity of the UN and its primary mandate. In the opinion of Gowan, nationalism and top-priority orientation on national interests during today’s global crises hamper the UN’s activity. This he terms as a ‘downward spiral,’ whereby the UN is increasingly losing a claim to independence and efficiency as a third party.
According to Gowan, several factors deepen the UN’s difficulties. Budgetary problems remain a chronic condition; member countries often are either slow to pay their dues or sometimes downright refuse—limiting the pool of funds available for numerous UN missions and projects. At the same time, there is increasing skepticism about multilateral organizations, especially from key states, eroding the UN’s bargaining power and capacity.
To counter the ‘downward spiral,’ Gowan advocates for more flexible, decentralized approaches that allow the UN to work alongside regional organizations, which may have a stronger influence in certain areas and can respond more swiftly to regional issues. Central to Gowan’s argument is the idea that adaptability and partnership with regional bodies can help stabilize the organization and prevent its decline. Although he remains cautiously optimistic, he concludes by stressing the importance of commitment from UN member states, without which these proposed reforms would lack the necessary foundation to succeed.
