Global Conflicts Challenge UN and India’s Role

Source: The post Global Conflicts Challenge UN and India’s Role has been created, based on the article “In 2025, India must play the role of peacemaker” published in “Live mint” on 3rd January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Important International institutions, agencies and fora – their structure, mandate.

Context: The article discusses global conflicts and violence, mentioning events in New Orleans, Gaza, Russia, Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, and Syria. It highlights the failure of international efforts at peace, criticizing the United Nations and stressing the need for India to play a stronger role in global diplomacy. It also refers to upcoming challenges, like a possible US-China trade war and issues over Taiwan. Global Conflicts Challenge UN and India’s Role

For detailed information on Role of the UN in maintaining peace read this article here

What Recent Conflicts Have Occurred?

Recent global conflicts include:

1. A terror attack in New Orleans, USA, killing at least 15 civilians.
2. Continuous Israeli bombings in Gaza, affecting children and babies.
3. Ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, with threats of nuclear strikes.
4. Conflicts in Sudan and Myanmar escalating.
5. The conflict in Syria possibly ending.

What Was the Impact of These Conflicts?

These conflicts:

1. Threatened to expand into wider regional wars.
2. Involved major powers like the US and Russia using heavy weaponry.
3. Saw involvement from groups like Hamas, IS-Khorasan, and North Korean troops.
4. Resulted in massive casualties, like the attack in Crocus City, Russia, where 145 were killed.

How Have International Efforts at Peace Been?

1. The United Nations has been ineffective in preventing or resolving these conflicts. For example, ongoing wars in places like Gaza and Ukraine continue despite UN involvement.
2. Upcoming US leadership under Donald Trump might weaken UN efforts further, as he is known for his skepticism towards the UN.
3. There is need to restructure the UN, with India playing a significant role due to its neutrality and historical involvement in peacekeeping.

What Are the Future Concerns?

1. A possible trade war between the US and China could heighten global tensions.
2. Taiwan’s situation is precarious, potentially triggering another area of conflict.
3. There is a call for a stronger, restructured United Nations to effectively manage these emerging challenges, emphasizing the need for robust diplomacy to sustain global peace.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations in resolving recent global conflicts.