Who deserves a seat at the UN Security Council?
For nearly 80 years, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has held the power to shape global peace, authorising sanctions, military action, and peacekeeping missions.
But at its core lies a major imbalance: just five countries — the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China- hold permanent seats and veto power.
These countries were granted this privilege after they emerged as victors of World War II. But the world has changed drastically since then — economically, politically, and demographically. Many argue it’s time the UNSC reflected that.
With over 50% of the world’s population living in Asia and Africa, why don’t these regions have a permanent voice at the table? Should countries like India be given a seat based on their population, or Pakistan based on military power, or regional influence? And what happens when permanent members are the very ones involved in the conflicts the UN is supposed to address?
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
