Call for change: Reconsidering power dynamics in the United Nations Security Council

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has a desire for his nation to get a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. After attending the United Nations General Assembly’s 79th session in New York, he stated that till now Turkey has not made any progress in this aim. He also said that currently, permanent members of the UNSC do not want to support Turkey in this goal. Erdogan also opposes the unfair system of the United Nations. 

He said only 5 permanent members have enough power to make important global decisions. However, the remaining 10 non-permanents have only a permit to say little. He raised a voice to change the system to make the decision-making process more fair. His statement, “The world is bigger than five” clearly highlights that more countries should get a chance to get permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council. This shows the ongoing struggle between powerful countries and those, like Türkiye, who want more representation.

UNSC: Permanent and non-permanent members

There are 15 members of the United Nations Security Council. Five members are members. It includes China, France, Russia, Britain, and the United States. These 5 nations hold a special power called a veto power. They can block any decision with this power. At the same time, the other 10 members serve two-year terms and are elected by the General Assembly.

Recently, Turkish President Erdogan had a conversation with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in New York. During this meeting, they explored plans for a High-Level Cooperation Council, which is set for early 2025. The main agenda of the meeting was to resolve complexities between Turkey and Greece, particularly in the Aegean Sea. Erdogan noted that Mitsotakis has promised to take action to resolve these conflicts.

Requirement of clear framework between Turkish-Greek relations

This council is important for improving Turkish-Greek relations and establishing a clear framework for future discussions. So far, it has met five times, with the last meeting held in Greece last year. These meetings show that both countries are willing to engage in dialogue, which could lead to better relations and the resolution of long-standing disputes. This effort is crucial for stability in the region.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at a recent meeting at the UN. He said that Pashinyan is willing to work on fixing problems with Azerbaijan. Erdogan expressed hope that this positive attitude would help both countries constructively address their long-standing issues.

Since 19191, Armenia and Azerbaijan have had a tough relationship. The complexity of this relationship increases because Aemenia occupies a region that is recognized globally as part of Azerbaijan. The nation took control of Karabakh along with the other 7 areas. This cause became the reason for deep conflict between the two nations. Erdogan’s comment highlights that there might be a possibility of peace talks between these countries. This conversation could 

By talking openly and addressing each other’s worries, both Armenia and Azerbaijan could work through their past problems. This could lead to a more peaceful relationship in the future. This effort could create a peaceful atmosphere for all citizens. 

Azerbaijan achieved significant territory in a 44-day war, in the fall of 2020. This war ended with a peace agreement, and Russia played an important role in creating the deal. According to this deal, Azerbaijan and its neighbors were permitted to talk about normalizing relations and defining borders. In September 2023, Azerbaijan took control of the Karabakh region by launching an anti-terrorist operation. 

This action proved very beneficial for Azerbaijan. As the separatists gave up, which strengthened‌ Azerbaijan’s control over its land. These incidents indicate a clear shift in power in the state. 

Azerbaijan’s strong efforts to protect its territory suggest that tensions might keep going because old problems with its neighbors are still not solved.