As part of spreading some of the global responsibility for geo-political order should the US push to expand the UN Security Council, and why not move beyond the global arrangement that might have partially reflected the immediate aftermath of World War II?
As a relic from that point in time the UN Security Council is comprised of the US, UK, France, Russia, and China; not exactly inclusive of the other major powers which help shoulder responsibility for world affairs nor reflective of the modern world powers. So why not look to some countries that have shown the ability and willingness to help chaperon world affairs in their neck of the woods and beyond?
I believe such a list should consider Japan, our former-enemy during WWII and ever since their defeat, US occupation, and re-emergence modeled in values and principles reflective of America a reliable partner in world affairs and good partner in economic trade, and clearly such a list would include India, the world’s largest nation and an emerging world economic power.
These are questions that need to be raised and a debate that our country should undertake.
The absence of India from the UN Security Council is a oversight that does not seem to be fair; nor one I suspect India will find tolerable as they continue to emerge as a potential superpower in their own right and a regional leader in a part of the world where the gap of international stability is creating worldwide threats for all the other major powers.
If President Obama sincerely wants to foster stronger relations aboard he should do it in a manner consistent with rewarding those countries which have been good actors aboard and important allies to the US.
For that reason putting forth Japan, India, Germany, South Africa, Turkey, and Brazil as permanent UN Security Council Members to better reflect and reward allied interests in global stability and security, regional hegemony, democratic values, and emerging multilateral powers in a multi-polar world would be a major initiative that the President should consider as such an initiative could help US interests aboard while helping to alleviate the burdens America has taken on in Afghanistan and Iraq along with the challenges of Iran, North Korea, and elsewhere in the War on Terrorism.
The more we can reduce our overburdened military and economy the better it will be for those men and women who have shown the patriotic courage to serve on the frontlines of our numerous national security hotspots. Beyond that, elevating the stature of those allies who share our values, interests, and security risks not only recognizes their sacrifices in our share struggles but further enlists and enables them to be assist in those efforts.
It should also not be lost on us that expanding the permanent membership states to include those countries would further enhances the prestige of the US in the eyes of many people the world over, but more importantly would enhances the influence of the US within the UN Security Council.
The only other question that needs to be asked is given those facts why is President Obama not affording the country that discussion and our friends and allies that opportunity? Let’s begin that national dialogue with President Obama’s upcoming State of the Union speech.