What is the Problem Represented to be in the Group of Four’s Policy on Reform of the United Nations Security Council? – An Argument for Clarity Towards the Global South

Abstract

This article applies a critical policy analysis to the United Nations Security Council (unsc) reform policy from the Group of Four (G4), to suggest ways for the G4 to clarify its policy’s impact and opportunities for Global South countries. The coalition comprises Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan. Based on an analysis of a dataset that includes official reform proposals, press statements, meetings statements, meetings notes, and interviews with key actors, the article concludes with five policy directions that can make the G4’s reform policy clear, transparent, and subsequently successful in terms of the necessary appeal and ensuing support from Global South countries. The article relies on a conceptual and methodological differentiation between how the absent unsc reform problem is presented and represented, respectively. A focus on the representation, which mainly refers to the policy’s subtle and implicit strategies and consequences, allows for the following overall contributions to unsc reform studies. First, I point out how the policy promotes and opposes democracy, equality, and increased Global South influence. Second, the analysis guides the G4 strategy and unsc reform strategies, at large, towards emphases on the African Union’s reform position.