United Nations, Quo Vadis?

The United Nations (of which a South African by the name of Jan Smuts, coincidentally, was the main architect) finds itself at a crossroads. For many decades now, the only consistency from the UN has been a steady decline of its perception in the public eye. However, with some recent positive movements, most notably a series of good decisions regarding positive action in the Strait of Hormuz, there is now an opportunity for the UN to move forward and restore its place as the true protector of the International Order.

For too long, a small section of the UN Assembly has dictated its policy, which seems to have centered around an effort to flood the entire earth with illegal immigration. That section of the UN, regrettably, is still very much alive and kicking against the pricks. But there is also another, very powerful and substantial, group of Nations within the UN that would like to see a resurrection of the original idea behind the organization; namely the fulfillment of the mandate to ensure an overwhelming international majority against malignant actors on the world stage. That was the reason the UN was created, and many disenchanted world leaders and their constituencies would be delighted to see the organization return to its true roots.

Let’s be honest, it would currently be a coin toss on the best of days to decide between the Coronavirus and the UN for most despised entity on earth. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Opinions change fast, and the UN might just find itself experiencing a miraculous recovery in the court of public opinion if it can build on some of the very promising signs that have lately emanated from it.

The very nature of a crossroads is that it represents a final opportunity to make a choice. I have no doubt that the UN has the capacity to restore itself, de facto and in the eyes of the world, as a positive force for good; an organization that serves as a powerful deterrent and guarantee against oppression. Instead of the current populist knee-jerk reaction against anything emanating from the UN, a return to its roots might just prompt a more favorable reaction next time the UN makes a collective decision regarding world affairs.

Leadership is key. The failure to make a definitive choice would ipso facto be a decision to continue down the wrong path.