Russia's Role on the UN Security Council Now and in the Future

Russia's Role as President of the UN Security Council

In January 2023, Russia assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This provides Russia with the ability to influence and control the agenda of the UNSC for the month, a powerful position given the UNSC's role in issues of international peace and security. Russia's presidency comes at a tumultuous time in global affairs, with the ongoing war in Ukraine testing relations between Russia and Western powers. Russia's conduct as UNSC president will be closely watched by the international community.

What Does the UN Security Council President Do?

The president of the UNSC holds the position for one month on a rotating basis among the 15 member states. The role of president includes several key duties:

• Setting the agenda - The president has influence over what issues are discussed and voted on.
• Presiding over consultations - The president leads informal discussions and negotiations between UNSC members.
• Acting as spokesperson - The president speaks to the press on behalf of the UNSC.
• Overseeing meetings - The president chairs UNSC sessions and can authorize emergency meetings.

Therefore, the president has considerable power to direct the Council's focus and manage its proceedings. The presidency provides an opportunity for the holder to promote its priorities and interests.

Background of Russia's UNSC Membership

As one of five permanent members on the UNSC, Russia holds veto power over resolutions and any changes to the UN Charter. Russia has served on the Council since its inception in 1946 after replacing the Soviet Union following its dissolution. Russia has held the rotating presidency over a dozen times since joining the UNSC.

Historically, Russia has used its position on the UNSC to promote its foreign policy interests. In recent years, tensions have grown between Russia and other permanent members, especially over issues like the Syrian civil war. Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 also sparked strong condemnation from Western powers. However, Russia remains highly engaged in UNSC initiatives relating to counterterrorism, non-proliferation, and other global security issues.

Russia's Priorities as UNSC President

In January 2023, Russia outlined several priorities for its presidency:

• Continuing the UN's significant role in global affairs
• Upholding international law and the UN Charter
• Strengthening peacekeeping efforts
• Improving transparency and efficiency at the UN
• Enhancing cooperation between the UNSC and regional organizations

Russia is likely to use its role as president to highlight these issues and introduce relevant agenda items for discussion and action. However, Western members will remain wary of Russia exploiting its position to distract from the situation in Ukraine.

Russia's Conduct as UNSC President

In January 2023, Russia convened several high-profile sessions and debates as UNSC president:

• A briefing on arms control between world powers to reduce global tensions.
• A debate on upholding international humanitarian law.
• A discussion of UN cooperation with regional organizations in conflict prevention.
• Renewing peacekeeping missions in Cyprus, Haiti, and elsewhere.

Russia faced criticism for not including Ukraine on the agenda, despite requests from other members. But Russia asserted that as president it has the right to focus on its chosen priorities. Overall, Russia treaded carefully in exercising its powers during a volatile period in its relations with the West.

Broader Implications of Russia's Presidency

Russia's presidency put its diplomatic skills to the test at a crucial juncture. Some key implications emerged:

• The limits of Russia's isolation were revealed, as it remains engaged on global issues.
• Divisions between UNSC members over Ukraine remained pronounced.
• Russia demonstrated an ability to shape debates without overreaching.
• Western powers will likely reassert influence after Russia's term ends.
• The ongoing Ukraine crisis may spur UNSC reforms.

Overall, Russia's balancing act as UNSC president reflected existing tensions in multilateral diplomacy. But it also highlighted the resilience of institutions like the UNSC in facilitating great power cooperation even in times of discord.

The Future Role of Russia on the UN Security Council

Looking ahead, Russia seems poised to remain highly active on the Security Council as it safeguards national interests and engages on global security issues. However, changing geopolitical relationships could impact Russia's future position.

Potential Diplomatic Repercussions of the Ukraine Crisis

Russia's military offensive in Ukraine has drawn widespread condemnation and severe sanctions. Although UNSC action has been blocked by Russia's veto, the General Assembly has deplored Russia's actions. If Russia becomes further isolated politically, calls may grow for it to be expelled from multilateral forums like the UNSC as punishment.

However, Russia retains strong alliances with other influential UNSC members. Removing Russia's permanent seat would also require amending the UN Charter, which Russia can veto. Despite fraying relations between Russia and the West, Russia is likely to remain an integral UNSC member for the foreseeable future.

Scenarios for UN Security Council Reform

The Ukraine crisis has intensified debates over reforming the Security Council to better reflect modern geopolitical realities. Possible reforms that could impact Russia include:

• Adding new permanent members like India and Brazil.
• Limiting use of the veto power in certain situations.
• Expanding the non-permanent membership.
• Creating a new tier of semi-permanent seats.

However, Russia would likely veto any changes that diminish its status and influence on the Council. Unless a situation arises where Russia finds reforms favourable to its interests, major UNSC restructuring will continue facing obstacles.

Russia's Continued Global Security Engagement

Even as it becomes more estranged from the West, Russia seems intent on preventing its isolation by sustaining engagement on global security issues at the UN. Potential avenues include:

• Cooperating on counterterrorism and anti-extremism measures.
• Seeking negotiated solutions to conflicts like Syria.
• Addressing climate change, public health, and humanitarian concerns.
• Pushing arms control initiatives.

By strategically highlighting shared interests with other UNSC members, Russia can maintain its influence and standing despite strained political relationships. Its permanent seat affords Russia enduring relevance on international peace and security matters.

FAQs

What powers does the president of the UN Security Council have?

The UNSC president can set the agenda, preside over consultations, act as spokesperson, and oversee meetings and debates. This allows the president to significantly shape the Council's discussions and procedures for the month.

Is Russia likely to lose its permanent seat on the UN Security Council?

No, Russia is unlikely to lose its permanent seat and veto power on the UNSC despite criticism over Ukraine. Removing Russia would require amending the UN Charter, which Russia can veto. Russia retains key alliances and its permanent status affords it enduring influence.

What reforms have been proposed for the UN Security Council?

Suggested reforms include expanding permanent and non-permanent seats to reflect current geopolitics, limiting veto powers, and creating a new tier of semi-permanent members. However, Russia would likely block changes that reduce its status and clout on the Council.

How has Russia used its position on the Security Council historically?

Russia has long used its UNSC seat to promote its foreign policy interests. In recent years, it has been highly engaged on issues like counterterrorism and non-proliferation while sparring with Western members over matters like Syria.

How can Russia prevent isolation despite tensions over Ukraine?

Russia can highlight areas of shared interest with other UNSC members, like arms control and humanitarian issues. Remaining active at the UN enables Russia to maintain global influence even as its relations with the West fray over Ukraine.