The Reform of the UN Security Council. What Are the Issues?

Since the end of the Cold War, a rejuvenated wide-ranging debate has unfolded about reforming the UN Security Council (SC) even though states have not reached any agreement. This paper considers the goals that should inspire any reform of the SC. Should it be made explicit in what capacity the Member States act: in their own interest, that of their geographical group, or to promote the purposes of the United Nations? A review of the voting patterns in the SC and the resolutions blocked by the vetoes of permanent members show the core issues blocking the institution. The voting pattern allows us to better understand the scope of the reform proposals. We distinguish between reforms advocating enlargement—adding new members without altering other procedures—and those involving a wider restructuring, also limiting the veto power of the permanent members. Finally, we suggest exploring legal and political mechanisms to include regional organizations, starting with the European Union.