History Issues and Japan’s Bid for Permanent Membership in the UN Security Council

The article examines the impact of history problems on Japan’s long-lasting efforts to gain permanent membership in the United Nations (UN) Security Council. It analyzes both the domestic stimuli behind Tokyo’s stance on the UN reform and the external constraints on the UN Security Council enlargement. It is argued that while problems with Japan’s bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council stemmed mainly from divergent interests of member states, history issues constituted an additional obstacle that weakened Tokyo’s position in negotiations on the UN reform. The discourse on lack of repentance by Japan for the atrocities committed during the Second World War was instrumentally used by the country’s rivals, mainly China and South Korea, all in the effort to hinder Tokyo’s efforts on the international arena.

A PROPOSAL FOR UN REFORM AND THE ROLE OF INDONESIA

As of writing this article, the United Nations (UN) has turned 75 Years old. Formed from the end of World War II, the UN’s leadership is made up of the War’s victorious countries. The organization consists of 193 states from around the world. After 75 years, the UN has been criticized as being slow in responding to issues concerning International peace and security, even though the handling of such issues constitutes one of the main objectives of the UN. Proposals for UN reform have emerged since 1949 until today, but there were never any real efforts to restore the UN to its original function. Mandates from some Member States have urged the reformation of the organization. This paper discusses the efforts of the UN in responding to proposals for reform and the role of Indonesia as one of the member states of the UN. It is hoped that Indonesia can support and bring change to the UN. Keywords: Indonesia, Reform, UN Abstrak Perserikatan Bangsa-Bangsa atau biasa disingkat PBB, sudah berumur 75 Tahun. Dibentuk dari berakhirnya perang dunia kedua, PBB dikuasai oleh para negara pemenang perang dunia. Lima Negara Anggota Permanent menginisiasi untuk membentuk PBB, dan kemudian bersama negara-negara di dunia membentuk Organisasi terbesar di dunia yang melingkupi 193 negara di seluruh dunia. Setelah 75 tahun usianya, PBB dinilai lambat dalam merespon isu yang berkaitan perdamaian dunia padahal isu tersebut merupakan tujuan dari dibentuknya PBB. Usulan untuk melakukan reformasi pun bergulir dari tahun 1949 hingga saat ini, namun belum pernah ada upaya yang riil untuk mengembalikan PBB kepada fungsi aslinya. Berdasarkan mandat dari beberapa negara Anggota PBB, PBB didesak untuk melakukan reformasi. Pada Makalah ini akan dibahas mengenai usaha yang dilakukan PBB dalam menyikapi Reformasi PBB dan Peran Indonesia sebagai salah satu negara anggota PBB. Indonesia sebagai negara anggota PBB berharap bahwa dukungannya dapat membawa perubahan bagi PBB. Kata Kunci: Indonesia, PBB, Reformasi

US ambassador to UN takes office facing challenges

Significance Craft succeeds Nikki Haley, who was a staunch defender of President Donald Trump’s foreign policy and an influential presidential adviser. Haley's departure left something of a vacuum: US influence at the UN lacks the same weight and dynamics have changed between Trump and other close foreign policy advisers. Impacts Craft’s relative lack of diplomatic experience suggests she may be more reliant on other Trump advisers’ advice. Craft may rely on National Security Advisor John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, implying a toughening approach. The UN will be used more often and more assertively as part of the administration’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran. Craft will renew emphasis on the need for UN reform including accountability, transparency and financial burden-sharing. The administration will likely continue to prioritise bilaterally focused foreign affairs, working with individual countries.