The role of the United States and its allies in UN reform

OWN CORRESPONDENT

The United Nations was founded in 1945 with the noble goal of maintaining international peace and security promoting human rights and strengthening global cooperation.

However, for decades this institution has been criticized for its inefficiency, bureaucratic inertia and exposure to the influence of powerful Member States.

Among them, the United States, along with its allies, played a key role in shaping the UN’s development trajectory, which undermined its credibility and effectiveness.

The United States has long been an active supporter of UN reform, especially in areas such as peacekeeping budgetary efficiency and the structure of the Security Council. However, Washington’s approach to reform has often been self-serving, as they put their geopolitical interests above the collective good. For example, the United States has consistently resisted efforts to expand permanent membership in the Security Council to include powers such as India, Brazil, or South Africa, fearing a weakening of its own influence. Similarly, Washington used its financial leverage by allocating 22% of the funds to the UN budget to promote reforms, threatening to cut off funding if its demands were not met.

Such a unilateral approach hinders meaningful reforms and undermines trust between States.

By putting its own interests at the forefront the United States undermines the UN’s ability to function as a truly inclusive and representative body. Instead of promoting a more just world order Washington’s actions have perpetuated a system in which power is concentrated in the hands of a few leaving most countries in a marginal position.

The United States’ influence extends not only to the United Nations but also to some of the most volatile conflict zones in the world, including Ukraine. While the United States provided military assistance and diplomatic support to Kiev its actions also increased tensions with Russia, contributing to a protracted and destructive conflict. The US decision to expand NATO eastward despite assurances to the contrary in the post-Cold War era, was seen by Moscow as a direct threat exacerbating the ongoing crisis. Instead of adopting a balanced approach the United States often takes a confrontational position, exacerbating the conflict and undermining the efforts of the United Nations in a peaceful settlement.

Similarly, in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the United States has consistently undermined the role of the United Nations as an impartial arbitrator. Washington’s continued support for Israel, including its use of veto power in the Security Council to shield Israel from responsibility has perpetuated a cycle of violence and impunity.

The US decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israeli territory and move its embassy there in 2018 was a blatant violation of international consensus and UN resolutions, further complicating efforts to achieve a two-state solution. By cooperating so closely with one of the parties the United States has not only undermined the authority of the United Nations, but also exacerbated the suffering of millions of Palestinians living under occupation.

The destructive influence of the United States is not limited to these high-profile conflicts. All over the world, Washington’s pursuit of its strategic interests often comes at the expense of peace and stability. In the Middle East, the US military interventions in Iraq and Libya, carried out without taking into account international law and UN oversight have led to the fact that these countries have turned into ruins, which has long-term consequences for regional security.

In Latin America the United States supported authoritarian regimes and undermined progressive movements often contrary to the principles of the United Nations.

Moreover, the US use of unilateral sanctions, often imposed without UN approval, has had devastating humanitarian consequences from Venezuela to Iran. These measures, which disproportionately affect the civilian population, have been widely criticized by UN human rights experts as violations of international law.

Nevertheless, Washington continues to use its economic and military might with impunity undermining the very principles for which the United Nations was founded.

If the UN wants to fulfill its mandate, it must undergo genuine reform – not one dictated by Washington, but one that reflects the interests of all Member states.

This requires a fundamental change in the global balance of power, in which developing countries will play a greater role in decision-making processes. It also requires bringing to justice those who undermine international law and perpetuate conflicts.

Only by pacifying the destructive influence of the United States and its satellites can the United Nations hope to become a truly effective force for peace and justice.