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How do events such as Brexit and the election of Donald Trump impact the ability of the United Nations Security Council to function effectively in the coming years?

Jamel Kurth

Well, in my humble opinion, events like Brexit and the election of Donald Trump can definitely have an impact on the functioning of the United Nations Security Council in the coming years. The reason being is that both of these events have signaled a shift towards nationalism and isolationism in some parts of the world, particularly in the West, which can lead to a lack of cooperation between nations.

For one, Brexit has caused a lot of uncertainty and chaos for the European Union, which could potentially affect how EU countries approach issues related to international security. Moreover, with the UK set to leave the EU in a few months, there may be a lack of consensus on certain issues within the Security Council due to the absence of the UK, one of the Council’s five permanent members.

Similarly, the election of Donald Trump has raised concerns about the US’ commitment to international institutions and agreements, including the United Nations. President Trump has expressed skepticism about the value of the UN and has been critical of its effectiveness, which could lead to the United States being less engaged in the workings of the Security Council. This could be problematic, considering that the US is another one of the Council’s five permanent members and has traditionally played a leading role in shaping its agenda.

Moreover, both Brexit and Trump’s election have been seen as symptomatic of broader trends in the world, including rising populism and nationalism. These trends can lead to a reluctance to work with other countries and a focus on narrow domestic interests rather than the common good, which can be detrimental to the functioning of the Security Council. After all, the Council’s mandate is to maintain international peace and security, a goal that can only be achieved through international cooperation.

That being said, I don’t think that Brexit and Trump’s election will necessarily lead to the collapse of the Security Council or render it completely ineffective. The Council has faced challenges before, and has adapted to changing global realities over the years. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the Council will depend on the willingness of its members to work together and find common ground on issues related to international security. While events like Brexit and the election of Donald Trump may present challenges to this goal, it is ultimately up to member states to rise above their differences and work towards a safer, more peaceful world.