United Nations Security Council Reform and the Global South: An International Law Perspective

Subham Kumar Sahu

doi:10.63363/aijfr.2026.v07i03.6376

United Nations Security Council Reform and the Global South: An International Law Perspective

Author(s)	Mr. Subham Kumar Sahu
Country	India
Abstract	The reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has emerged as one of the most persistent and contentious issues in contemporary international law and global governance. Established in 1945 in the aftermath of the Second World War, the Security Council was designed to maintain international peace and security through a structure that reflected the geopolitical realities of the mid-twentieth century. More than eight decades later, profound transformations in the international community have rendered the Council increasingly unrepresentative of contemporary global power distributions and demographic realities. The growing influence of states from the Global South, particularly emerging powers such as India, Brazil, South Africa, and Nigeria, has intensified demands for a more equitable and democratic Security Council. This article critically examines the legal, political, and normative dimensions of Security Council reform from the perspective of the Global South. It evaluates the historical origins of the Council's composition, the legal framework governing institutional reform under the United Nations Charter, and competing reform proposals advanced by states and regional organizations. The article argues that the existing structure of the Security Council perpetuates historical inequalities embedded within the post-war international order and undermines the legitimacy of collective security mechanisms. While legal obstacles to reform remain significant, particularly due to the veto power exercised by the permanent members, the increasing assertiveness of Global South states presents an opportunity to reconceptualize representation, legitimacy, and accountability within the United Nations system. The article concludes that meaningful reform is essential not only for institutional legitimacy but also for ensuring the continued relevance of the Security Council in addressing twenty-first-century challenges. A reformed Council that incorporates broader representation from the Global South would better reflect the principles of sovereign equality, democratic participation, and inclusive multilateralism that underpin contemporary international law.
Keywords	United Nations Security Council, Global South, Security Council Reform, Veto Power, International Law, United Nations Charter, Sovereign Equality, Collective Security, Global Governance, Developing States.
Field	Sociology > Administration / Law / Management
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On	2026-06-15
DOI	https://doi.org/10.63363/aijfr.2026.v07i03.6376

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United Nations Security Council Reform and the Global South: An International Law Perspective

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