The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance.” Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard.

UPSC Mains 2025 GS Paper 2 Question Paper

Q. “The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance.” Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard.

Introduction:
UN reforms, especially of the Security Council, remain stalled due to geopolitical contestation between Western powers and the Russia–China axis, reflecting an enduring East–West divide.

1. Need for UN Reforms

• UNSC reflects 1945 power structure, not current realities
• Under-representation of Global South (Asia, Africa, Latin America)
• Demand for expansion in permanent & non-permanent seats

Groups:

• G4 (India, Germany, Japan, Brazil)
• African Union (Ezulwini Consensus)

2. Nature of East–West Divide

(a) Western Bloc Position

• Led by United States and allies
• Supports limited expansion
• Emphasis on:
  • Efficiency
  • Status quo of veto power

(b) Russia–China Axis

• Russia and China
• Resist reforms that dilute P5 dominance
• Selective support (e.g., China hesitant on India’s candidature)

3. Key Areas of Confrontation

(a) Expansion of UNSC

• Disagreement on:
  • Number of permanent members
  • Inclusion of new veto powers

(b) Veto Power Issue

• P5 unwilling to dilute or abolish veto
• Seen as undemocratic but strategically essential

(c) Regional Rivalries

• China opposes India
• US ambivalence on reform pace
• African representation unresolved

(d) Geopolitical Conflicts

• Ukraine war → sharp East–West polarization
• Syria, Indo-Pacific issues → UNSC deadlocks

4. Impact on UN Reform Process

• Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) remain inconclusive
• Lack of consensus → procedural delays
• Increasing irrelevance of UNSC in conflict resolution

5. Critical Evaluation

Arguments Supporting Statement

• Power politics > institutional reform
• East–West rivalry leads to mutual vetoes & deadlock
• UN becomes arena of strategic competition

Counter-Arguments

• Other factors also responsible:
  • North–South divide
  • Lack of consensus among reform aspirants
  • Complex amendment procedure (2/3rd + P5 ratification)

6. India’s Position

• Advocates reformed multilateralism
• Member of G4
• Emphasizes:
  • Equity
  • Representation of Global South

7. Way Forward

• Build broad-based coalition (G4 + Africa)
• Incremental reforms (intermediate category seats)
• Limit veto use (code of conduct)
• Revitalize multilateral diplomacy

Conclusion:
While East–West rivalry significantly impedes UN reforms, overcoming broader structural and political constraints is essential to make the UN more representative and effective.

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