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.
Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!
At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.
The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.
Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.
It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.
