The U.N. Security Council Needs Reform

The United States is still a very dominant global player, but the Security Council should better reflect the power and economic balance of the new world.

Question: Are the days of the United States as the dominant global superpower coming to an end?Mary Robinson:  I think they have certainly changed and are no longer at all the way that the United States was perceived at the very beginning of this century; the year 2000, say. That's reflected in the G20 and other developments. There should be a reform of the Security Council, the Security Council does not reflect the power balance and economic balance in our world today and so we need more urgent reform than we did because we recognize. At the same time, the United States is still a very, very powerful player.  And I think there is a wisdom that the United States reengage again in these alliances and partnerships that are being spoken about by the Obama administration.  I do believe that that's the way for the United States to go. Recorded September 21, 2010Interviewed by Victoria Brown

Question: Are the days of the United States as the dominant global superpower coming to an end?Mary Robinson:  I think they have certainly changed and are no longer at all the way that the United States was perceived at the very beginning of this century; the year 2000, say. That's reflected in the G20 and other developments. There should be a reform of the Security Council, the Security Council does not reflect the power balance and economic balance in our world today and so we need more urgent reform than we did because we recognize. At the same time, the United States is still a very, very powerful player.  And I think there is a wisdom that the United States reengage again in these alliances and partnerships that are being spoken about by the Obama administration.  I do believe that that's the way for the United States to go. Recorded September 21, 2010Interviewed by Victoria Brown