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Broken Shields and Silent Allies: How National Interest is Undermining the United Nations and Multilateralism
Abstract
This paper explores how the persistent dominance of realism, the pursuit of state interest and strategic power, has contributed to the erosion of multilateralism in the post-Cold War global order, with a particular focus on the role of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Through case studies of the Syrian conflict, the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, and the Russia-Ukraine war, the paper critically examines how the repeated and strategic use of the veto power by permanent members (P5) has paralyzed the Council’s capacity to respond to humanitarian crises and security threats. The study shows how geopolitical rivalries and national interests have undermined collective action, rendering the UNSC increasingly ineffective and damaging the credibility of the broader UN system. Furthermore, the paper explores the failure of international institutions to anticipate or address underlying tensions and the shifting reliance on bilateral and regional blocs. It concludes with recommendations for national self-reliance, strengthened regional cooperation, investment in early warning mechanisms, and a cautious yet necessary reform of the Security Council. Ultimately, the paper argues that unless the logic of realism is tempered by genuine commitment to international cooperation and institutional reform, multilateralism will continue its decline in relevance and effectiveness.
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