Questions about the United Nations’ (UN's) role as an international organisation have pervaded since its inception. The UN Charter is an international treaty that is binding on all 193 member states. Article 1 proclaims the UN’s purpose is to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations and ensure international cooperation and harmonisation. 

The UN Security Council (UNSC) has primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. In practice, the veto power of the Permanent 5 (P5) members (China, France, Russia, UK and US) can be an obstacle to ensuring international peace and security. The current geopolitical environment and major power competition is challenging the UNSC as it struggles to uphold its obligations under the UN Charter.

This paper outlines shifting alliances, reform, UNSC resolutions and UN challenges.

Key findings

• Efforts to reform the UNSC, including initiatives to modify the veto power of P5 members, are often stymied.
• The Security Council Report recently highlighted a decline in the number of non-unanimous resolutions adopted.
• Regardless of minor reforms, the UN system continues to be challenged.
• Recent changes in negotiating positions and voting patterns within the UN system suggest some major political shifts.
• With significant shifts in votes on Ukraine and the Gaza situation, the instability of the geopolitical landscape is on display at the UN.