Contemporary Security Milieu: Is it the Right Time for a New United Nations?

Abstract

The UN was established to maintain international peace and security. In fulfilling this responsibility, the UN adopts a range of measures, including use of diplomacy, Peacekeeping Operations (PKOs), laws, sanctions, negotiations and others. This article examines whether or not it is ripe for the world to have a new institution other than the (UN), which will effectively deal with contemporary and future security challenges. The key argument is that the UN has been failing to effectively fulfil its obligations despite various reforms, which have been taking place. Throughout the discussion, structural functional and neo-functionalism theories have been employed. Data for preparations of the article were collected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Tanzania by involving respondents with sufficient experience and knowledge on role of the UN in resolving conflicts. The study employed qualitative research approach in obtaining primary and secondary sources for secondary data. Purposive sampling technique was used, whereas in-depth interviews and documentary review were employed to collect data. The study found out that the current UN and its principles have not effectively beenhelpful in mitigating contemporary security challenges. It is projected that the future security environment will be highly complex and therefore, the current UN setup will not be useful in exercising its duties. Accordingly, it is recommended that the current UN needs to be replaced with a new institution.