The United Nations has stood for nearly eight decades as a bastion of hope for international cooperation and peace. As we witness its gradual erosion, marked by a troubling drift towards irrelevance among major global powers, it becomes imperative for member states — particularly those in the Global South—to rally behind the UN’s core principles. These principles, enshrined in the UN Charter, emphasize the importance of resolving disputes peaceably, with the use of force deemed an option of last resort.
As the political landscape shifts, with power increasingly consolidated in nationalistic agendas, the question arises: can the UN adapt and continue to play a pivotal role in international peace and security? The growing fragmentation is evident, with nations like Russia and China pursuing assertive and often unilateral foreign policies that challenge the multilateral ethos of the UN. Additionally, the second Trump administration has stepped away from a multilateral approach to diplomacy and has adopted a “go it alone” foreign policy with a heavy handed approach to pressing international issues, ignoring the UN.
In this context, the words of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan resonate powerfully: “We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” For the Global South, the continuation of the UN is not merely about preserving an institution; it is about affirming a vision of a world rooted in collective security and mutual respect.
Historically, it has been the Global South that has drawn upon UN frameworks to advocate for their interests, whether in climate negotiations, development goals, or peacekeeping missions. The 75th anniversary of the UN elicited a renewed call from several leaders in this bloc, emphasizing that it is the duty of all nations to ensure that the organization does not merely reflect the interests of the powerful but reinforces a comprehensive, inclusive framework for governance. Such a stance is always precarious in an era where major powers, particularly the United States, Russia, and China, exert their influence, often translating national interests into international policy with little heed for a cohesive global strategy.
The recent events surrounding international conflicts illustrate this shift acutely. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, for example, has highlighted a stark divide in response, with European nations uniformly adopting a pro-Ukraine stance backed by sanctions while the Global South exhibits a more cautious, albeit divided, approach. Countries like India and South Africa have refrained from taking sides, vocalizing a collective call that underscores the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. In the words of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “This is not an era of war,” accentuating the relevance of the UN as an arena for negotiation rather than confrontation. With the United States now siding with the aggressor Russia the Global South must show more resolve in support of democracy and the UN.
For the UN to reclaim its influence, the Global South must assert its role, insisting on a robust political and financial commitment to the organization, regardless of the backdrop of major power rivalries. It would require a recommitment to multilateralism that transcends the whims of dominant states. As the Argentinian diplomat and UN diplomat Susana Malcorra noted, “We need to reinforce the idea that multilateralism is not just the voice of the few. It is time for the many to rise and shape the agenda.”
This clamor from the majority is essential. The Global South constitutes a majority within the UN, and their collective voice has the potential to shape the future of the organization significantly. They must articulate a clear vision that prioritizes addressing critical issues such as poverty, climate change, and conflict resolution—a vision that aligns with the original mandates of the UN and reaffirms its necessity in a changing geopolitical landscape.
Moreover, the surging calls for reform — expanding the UN Security Council to include more representatives from Africa and Latin America — are not just about power redistribution but are about creating a more democratic forum for dialogue. The Global South can leverage their numbers to initiate discussions that reflect their aspirations instead of being sidelined by major powers.
As the UN paradigm encounters profound challenges, the onus falls upon those member states that champion the institution’s underlying values: negotiation, peace, and collective action. As they invest politically and financially in the UN’s resurgence, they not only advocate for their interests but also underscore the importance of a global approach to contemporary challenges. The call for solidarity and support must echo across capitals, reminding both powerful nations and the disenfranchised that the global community’s stability rests upon a cooperative framework, deftly navigated through the long-standing institution of the United Nations. As we stand at this crossroads, the future of international peace and security beckons to our collective commitment to the principles of the UN, a commitment that remains as vital today as it was at its inception. The stability of a respected UN can counter the destabilization by the United States as it becomes the new “evil empire.”
David M. Crane served as the Founding Chief Prosecutor of the UN Special Court for Sierra Leone and is the Founder of the Global Accountability Network, an organization dedicated to promoting international justice and human rights.
