Transformation toward a Global Governance Institution: How the United Nations Responds to the Impact of Major-Powers Political Intervention on Its Operational Effectiveness
Received: 2026-02-06Accepted: 2026-06-11
J. Int. Eco. Glo. Gov., 2026, 3(2), 60-75; https://doi.org/10.58244/jiegg.263582
Abstract: The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. However, as the foremost platform for the practice of multilateralism, the United Nations has frequently been subjected to interference arising from unilateral actions, particularly those associated with unilateral hegemonic practices of the United States, thereby constraining the normal functioning [...] Read More.
Keywords: Global governance; United nations; Major-power political intervention; Operational effectiveness
Keywords: Global governance; United nations; Major-power political intervention; Operational effectiveness
Abstract
Abstract
The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. However, as the foremost platform for the practice of multilateralism, the United Nations has frequently been subjected to interference arising from unilateral actions, particularly those associated with unilateral hegemonic practices of the United States, thereby constraining the normal functioning of the Organization. The essence of this predicament lies in the fact that the United Nations, as an institution established upon the foundation of sovereign states, derives its autonomy closely from the authorization granted by member states—especially major powers possessing substantial capabilities, whose substantive delegation provides critical resource support for United Nations actions. Once the actions undertaken by the United Nations in fulfillment of its purposes and principles cease to align with the interests of major powers or their pursuit of the maximization of their own interests, such powers often seek to reduce or terminate delegation in order to curtail the resources available for relevant United Nations activities, thereby undermining the foundations of the Organization’s autonomy and consequently affecting its operational effectiveness and institutional functions. Therefore, current United Nations reform should actively promote the Organization’s transformation into a global governance institution, facilitating a shift in its international role orientation from a traditional “guarantor of collective security” toward that of a “global agenda advocate.” By relying upon its professionalism and broad influence as a multilateral platform, the United Nations may shape corresponding moral and normative principles surrounding global agendas so as to reduce excessive dependence upon major-power delegation, thereby enhancing its global governance capacity, strengthening the resilience of its institutions, and mitigating the disruptive impact of major powers’ political intervention on the operational effectiveness of the United Nations.
Keywords: Global governance; United nations; Major-power political intervention; Operational effectiveness
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