Kofi's Last Tango? - The United Nations Reform Plans and the German Position

As desirable and important as the UN system is for the global community, it has come under much scrutiny in recent years--criticisms reach from failed missions to recent allegations of corruption. It is obvious that reforms are vital in order to retain the influence and legitimacy of the UN. But what exactly are the reforms Kofi Annan proposes in his report "In Larger Freedom?" To what extent are they politically feasible? And does Kofi Annan even possess the necessary political capital to set the reform in motion?

Groundbreaking for Germany’s role within the United Nations is the proposed, and most controversial, reform of the Security Council; a reform which has been a longstanding point on Annan’s agenda of change. How likely is the adoption of the proposed Model A, allocating six new permanent seats to various nations including Germany? And is Germany ready to sensibly occupy the seat?

In order to gain an understanding of the issues at stake, GPPi gathered experts from various backgrounds and involved them in a lively panel discussion in the Schinkelsaal at the Palais am Festungsgraben in Berlin.

Insight into the German position was provided by Joscha Schmierer, Member of Foreign Office’s Policy Planning Staff. He expressed a confident attitude towards the outcome of the upcoming vote on the seat allocation. He emphasized the significance of the Security Council as an "Ordnungsmacht" and joined Annan’s reasoning that the composition of the Security Council should reflect existing realities in the world order.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Risse, Director of the Center for Transatlantic Foreign and Security Policy Studies, Freie Universität Berlin, assessed the report with a broader angle and attempted to pinpoint the position of the United States as regards the reform plans. Surprisingly there is no such position – or at least no public statement which can be regarded as such. During the discussion time, and in relation to prior mention of U.S. foreign policy as regards the Security Council, Prof. Risse also elaborated on issues of Public International Law – and the defects arising due to terminological inconsistencies. He agrees that the Security Council’s composition is ready for reform, because both monetary contributions and the global power order are not reflected as it stands now.

Friederike Bauer, Author of the new Kofi Annan biography ("Kofi Annan--Ein Leben") and journalist for the Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung, provided the audience with insights into the Secretary General’s person, his beliefs and ambitions, both personally and politically. Despite recent allegations against his son Kojo, she is convinced he still has the necessary political backing in order to push through proposed reforms. Furthermore, in light of the fast approaching end of his term, she believes Mr. Annan will devote unprecedented energy to a successful reform in order to make this his last memorable masterpiece.

The debate illuminated questions at stake and insight was provided from diverse viewpoints. However, several contributions also highlighted the hurdles to be overcome before reforms can be approved, and the audience’s involvement reflected the suspense with which Germany is awaiting this political summer.

For pictures of the event click here.

This event was kindly supported by the German Marshall Fund of the United States.