UN SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM: THEMATIC FUTURES

This research paper by Jakkie Cilliers of the Institute for Security Studies argues that the UN Security Council (UNSC) is losing legitimacy and effectiveness because its structure is out of step with current geopolitical realities. The author highlights the dysfunction caused by the dominance of the five permanent members (P5) and the need for reform to address 21st-century security threats, including cybercrime, AI, and regional conflicts in Africa and the Middle East.

• The UN Security Council is experiencing a decline in legitimacy and effectiveness because its current structure does not reflect modern geopolitical realities. The dominance of the five permanent members (P5) and their veto power are identified as primary drivers of dysfunction and mistrust.
• There is a divide in the perceptions of the UN system: wealthy nations, specifically the US, are frustrated by inefficiency and waste, while poorer nations cite a lack of representation on the UNSC and the overbearing influence of the P5.
• The global security landscape has evolved to include new risks driven by digital communication and technology, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybercrime, and organised crime, contributing to a 'brittle' global system.
• Africa and the Middle East are identified as the two regions globally with the highest burden of terrorist activity and armed conflict, necessitating continued support from the UNSC.

APA

Cilliers, J. (2026). UN SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM: THEMATIC FUTURES. Institute for Security Studies. https://futures.issafrica.org/thematic/guide.pdf?thematic=19-un-security-council&topic=01-introduction

Chicago

Cilliers, Jakkie. UN SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM: THEMATIC FUTURES. Institute for Security Studies, 2026. https://futures.issafrica.org/thematic/guide.pdf?thematic=19-un-security-council&topic=01-introduction.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Cilliers |first1=Jakkie |title=UN SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM: THEMATIC FUTURES |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |date=29 March 2026 |url=https://futures.issafrica.org/thematic/guide.pdf?thematic=19-un-security-council&topic=01-introduction |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{cilliers2026security, author = {Cilliers, Jakkie}, title = {{UN SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM: THEMATIC FUTURES}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, year = {2026}, month = mar, url = {https://futures.issafrica.org/thematic/guide.pdf?thematic=19-un-security-council&topic=01-introduction}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }