The United Nations (UN) has long stood as a beacon of hope for global peace and security. Established in 1945 to prevent the recurrence of global conflict, the UN has since evolved into a multifaceted organisation that addresses myriad global issues.

Despite its most noble objectives, the UN has been faced with a lot of modern criticism, many of which stem from the UN’s lack of interference in violent war between member states. Former Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Annan, in his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, December 10, 2001, said that, “More than ever before in human history we share a common destiny. We can master it only if we face it together. And that, my friends, is why we have the United Nations.” This suggests that the UN as we know it since its inception has never been a perfect organisation.

However, when nations stand together as one for the advancement of humanity, the UN becomes indispensable. If we did not have a UN as we know it today, we would have to create one. Yet it is worthwhile to explore the obstacles to effective UN peacekeeping, the influence of recent conflicts on its role, and potential reforms that could enhance its ability to manage global crises.

To begin with, over the years, the UN has been faced with several challenges that have left many scholars and political commentators with the view that the UN needs to be reformed. According to the statute of the International Court of Justice and the Charter of the United Nations, article 1 subsection 1-7, the UN is the organisation to maintain international peace and security, and to that end takes effective, collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to peace and the suppression of acts of aggression or other breaches of the peace and to bring about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace.

The lack of political will of member states of the UN has long been one of the major issues that have been affecting peacekeeping efforts by the UN. In their book
Understanding Peacekeeping, Alex Bellamy, Paul Williams, and Stuart Williams explained the critical analysis of modern peacekeeping operations. The authors explore the historical evolution of peacekeeping, addressing its political, operational, and ethical dimensions. They emphasise the complex challenges faced by UN missions, including the lack of political will from member states, financial constraints, and logistical difficulties.

As well as how limited resources and divergent political interests among contributing nations can undermine mission effectiveness, through case studies and theoretical insights, the authors highlight the need for realistic mandates, better coordination, and stronger international support. This shows that while the UN may carry out its role and functions, including its peacekeeping efforts, idealistically it emphasises a need for a more realistic way of dealing with member states who have to ensure their nation’s best interests and foreign policy.

Financial constraints are a major challenge for the UN, as its reliance on member states’ contributions often leads to budget shortfalls, affecting its ability to plan and execute missions effectively. It has been argued that the UN’s dependency on a few major donors can lead to undue influence over its agenda, compromising impartiality. This raises concerns about impartiality versus realpolitik, whereby major donor influence may affect sustainable peace. Others argue that UN missions must be tailored to each conflict, with appropriate authority and resources.

While the UN can support peacebuilding and institution-building, it struggles to intervene in ongoing wars, especially when spoilers dominate. But even though it cannot act as an international police force, the UN can offer expertise in peacekeeping operations following enforcement missions by states or organisations like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Those in the know emphasise that UN missions were most effective in the early post-war years and economic development is key to long-term peace, advocating for an expanded role in post-conflict development.

In addition, major recent conflicts between nations have shed light on modern discussions about the UN conflicts, such as the war in Gaza that looks at the UN’s role in global peace and security. According to one study carried out at the Mohammed Boudiaf University/ M’sila titled “The role of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security: An analysis of the most important theoretical approaches”. The study mentioned that “the United Nations’ fulfilment of its obligations relating to the maintenance of international peace and security requires it to take effective cooperative measures to prevent and remove threats to peace”, it can also be noted that the UN Security Council (UNSC) is a system in deadlock, this suggests that the Veto powers that the USA, Russia, China, UK, and France has is often used as a weapon to prevent resolutions that can end modern wars, and this factor weakens the UNSC and the UN. This can be resolved by increasing the number of permanent and non-permanent members and restricting the Veto powers for the UNSC in humanitarian issues. As seen in the recent war in Gaza, the UN often fails to limit the death rates of innocent civilians in wars. Overall, these led to a call for the UN to be reformed, with the point that a post-World War II UN does not reflect the geopolitical realities of the 21st century.

Moreover, the UN needs to improve its ability to manage global crises. In recent times the UN has faced accusations of bias as it relates to the wars in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, particularly in the way in which it handles difficult conflicts, a more effective resolution is enforcing international law to benefit all member states and engage more with non-state actors. We can also argue that the UN needs to strengthen the role of the General Assembly, welcome emerging economies like Brazil, India, and South Africa, and ensure that there is greater representation from regions — Latin America, Asia, and Africa — while restricting the veto powers in times of war between member states.

Furthermore, the UN faces critical challenges that question its relevance and capacity to uphold global peace and security. Structural limitations, political inertia, financial constraints, and Security Council deadlock, especially due to P5 veto powers, highlight the need for urgent reforms. The UN’s struggles in addressing conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine reveal the inadequacy of its post-World War II framework.

Key reforms include expanding Security Council membership, limiting veto use in humanitarian crises, and enhancing engagement with non-state actors. Strengthening the General Assembly’s role could also promote inclusivity. As Annan emphasised, unity and collaboration are essential. The UN must evolve to maintain its legitimacy and fulfil its mission of fostering peace, justice, and sustainable development.

Without reform it risks falling short of its mandate, leaving a gap in global governance that no other entity can fill.

mrtajayfrancis@gmail.com

The United Nations is an intergovernmental organisation that aims to maintain international peace and security.

Tajay Francis