What Do We Lose from the UN Reforms?

Russia refused to sign America’s declaration regarding the reformation of the United Nations. And for now, that puts Russia in the extreme minority. What threats do we face if America beats us in this matter?

The U.N. was created as an organization for the nations that won World War II. But today, the global situation has changed dramatically, and I don’t understand why this sort of organization is even necessary for strengthening international business relations if traditional diplomatic relations are in place.

In addition, notice how much power the losers of World War II—Germany, Japan, and to a lesser extent, Italy— have amassed. I believe that right now, the so-called “Big Seven,” the Group of Seven leading industrial nations, the club of great powers from which Russia was excluded in 2014, wields a whole lot more power in international relations than does the expensive toy that is the U.N. As far as I can tell, it seems like the G-7 wants to replace the U.N.

And it won’t be difficult, seeing as the U.N. is incapable of doing its job. What good did the Blue Helmets do in Libya? What progress has the U.N. actually achieved, if Korea is still divided? If Cyprus is still divided?

Today, the masks have come off. Big politics have once again become cynical, and the public arena is no exception. No more extravagant meetings or embraces; formal protocols and votes are no longer necessary—no one thinks they are important anymore. What are they for, if Donald Trump announces his actual intentions and actions to the whole world through Twitter, without a care for standards of propriety or protocol?

As for our position, there’s only one thing I can say: For now, Russia still has veto power in the Security Council. That is the only important option. If this right is revoked, you can kiss our current international relations goodbye. Trump wants to reform the U.N. so that the organization just fulfills America’s will without question. Here we must understand something very simple: Our compromises have always led to setbacks, and they will continue to lead to setbacks. If we act indecisively, we will be scorned. Attempting to follow the West, and the U.S. in particular, is counterproductive. You could, of course, say the time has returned in which strength was the only true right. But if we’re honest, those times never really went away in the first place.

The author’s opinion may not reflect the position of the editor.