If we want a world ruled by law and by international co-operation then we have to support the UN as its central pillar. But we need to find a new way to make the UN and its Security Council work if we are not to return to the deadlock that undermined the effectiveness of the Security Council during the Cold War. This should be a task for members of the Permanent Five to consider once the Kosovo conflict is complete.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Blair argues for supporting the UN but reforming its Security Council to avoid Cold War deadlock.
- In plain terms
- The UN is vital, but its rules need fixing to work properly.
- What can you take from it?
- International institutions need practical reform to function.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who decides UN reform?
- How do we prevent veto abuse?
Another view
It assumes the permanent five will cooperate when past records show otherwise.
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