Central idea 

The article discusses the escalating conflicts in the Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine situations, questioning the UN’s effectiveness in maintaining global peace. It highlights challenges such as the post-Cold War dilemma, erosion of the liberal order, and veto impasse, emphasizing the need for innovative conflict resolution mechanisms, UN reforms, and global public engagement to address the complexities in today’s geopolitical landscape.

Key Highlights:

• Escalating Conflicts: Israel-Hamas clashes intensify post-October 7 attack. Simultaneous Russia-Ukraine conflict adds global complexity.
• Strategic Dialogue: Rakesh Sood and Vivek Katju discuss UN’s peacekeeping challenges. Moderated by Kallol Bhattacherjee, the dialogue addresses current geopolitical unrest.
• Global Impact: UN’s role questioned in resolving modern conflicts. Increasing doubts about UN’s effectiveness in maintaining global peace.
• Diverse Perspectives: Perspectives on the liberal international order and its alleged demise. Shift from unipolarity to multipolarity examined in the post-Cold War era.

Challenges:

• Post-Cold War Dilemma: Diminished UN conflict resolution post-Cold War. Major powers’ discord paralyzes UN decision-making.
• Erosion of Liberal Order: Dispute over the existence of a liberal international rules-based order. Unipolar moment disappears by 2008, raising concerns.
• Veto Impasse: UNSC’s efficacy hampered by veto powers. National interests obstruct addressing conflicts effectively.
• Internal Israeli Complexities: Netanyahu’s divisive leadership influences Israel’s stance. Domestic protests and judicial reforms contribute to complexity.
• Global Power Discord: Lack of consensus among major powers hinders UN efforts. Veto powers in the UNSC obstruct conflict resolution.
• Nuances in Israel’s Approach: Israel’s response to Hamas extends beyond national security. Commitment to eliminating Hamas reflects deep resolve.
• UN’s Passive Role: Criticism for UN’s passive role in recent conflicts. Major powers’ differences render the UN a bystander.
• Shift to Multipolarity: Multipolarity after 2008 presents challenges. Multipolarity without multilateralism leads to chaos.

Concerns:

• Global Power Discord: Lack of consensus hinders UN’s conflict resolution. Veto powers impede the organization’s ability to act decisively.
• Nuances in Israel’s Approach: Israel’s response to Hamas goes beyond national security. Commitment to eliminating Hamas reflects a profound resolve.
• UN’s Passive Role: UN criticized for passive role in recent conflicts. Major powers’ differences render UN a bystander.
• Shift to Multipolarity: Transition to a multipolar world after 2008 presents challenges. Multipolarity without effective multilateralism leads to chaos.

Analysis:

• Inert UN Dynamics: UN’s perceived ineffectiveness raises questions. Major powers’ disagreements cripple the UN’s active role.
• Multipolarity Challenges: Emergence of a multipolar world introduces complexities. Lack of a new order suited for a multipolar world contributes to global unrest.
• Strategic US Interventions: US interventions post-Cold War questioned for legitimacy. Iraq, Afghanistan, Mali, and Libya conflicts showcase UN’s limited role.
• Dilemmas in Conflict Resolution: Complexities in resolving conflicts beyond traditional UN approaches. Calls for exploring alternative mechanisms acknowledging evolving geopolitical landscapes.

Key Terms:

• UN, Israel-Hamas conflict, Russia-Ukraine crisis, liberal international order, multipolarity, major powers, ceasefire.

Way Forward:

• Revamping Conflict Resolution: Urgency in exploring innovative conflict resolution mechanisms. Recognition of complexities beyond traditional UN paradigms in today’s geopolitical scenario.
• India’s Global Role: Acknowledges India’s increasing global significance. Emphasizes the need for realistic expectations given the superior dynamics at play.
• Multilateral Diplomacy: Strengthening multilateral diplomatic efforts for conflict resolution. Encouraging dialogue and cooperation among major powers to overcome discord.
• UN Reforms: Advocating reforms in UN structures for increased agility. Addressing veto-related challenges to enhance the UN’s role in global peacekeeping.
• Global Public Engagement: Fostering global public engagement in conflict resolution. Leveraging public sentiment to influence diplomatic decisions and encourage peaceful solutions.

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