Developing country representatives often capture their demand for “voice” in the pithy saying that if one does not have a “seat at the table”, then one is very likely “on the menu”.
Great article! I know the focus was on the financial costs of having a seat in these committees? But in your opinion, what would Africa holding a seat in the UNSC look like? I know the popular 2 seats with voting power reform is mentioned a lot, but won’t that cause problems due to inadequate representation of the entire continent?
I don't know - to be fair. We have been so obsessed with the seat even as its value has declined. The Council is gridlocked and seemingly incapable of doing anything. But we have been pursuing this seat for a while, it just seems like the quest is moving forward by inertia. On the question of problems - the seat would permanently be for Africa and the particular occupant would rotate.
Could you write something regarding the economic engines in the AU? For instance what wconomies are likely to be the most productive and energetic, and so likely to rise to the top of influence (like Germany and France in the EU? Or in a different way, Shanghai or Shenzhen in China?)
Great article! I know the focus was on the financial costs of having a seat in these committees? But in your opinion, what would Africa holding a seat in the UNSC look like? I know the popular 2 seats with voting power reform is mentioned a lot, but won’t that cause problems due to inadequate representation of the entire continent?
I don't know - to be fair. We have been so obsessed with the seat even as its value has declined. The Council is gridlocked and seemingly incapable of doing anything. But we have been pursuing this seat for a while, it just seems like the quest is moving forward by inertia. On the question of problems - the seat would permanently be for Africa and the particular occupant would rotate.
Could you write something regarding the economic engines in the AU? For instance what wconomies are likely to be the most productive and energetic, and so likely to rise to the top of influence (like Germany and France in the EU? Or in a different way, Shanghai or Shenzhen in China?)