Since 1945, the UN Security Council (UNSC) has been shaped by great power rivalry, with the U.S., Russia (formerly the Soviet Union), and China using their veto power to advance strategic interests. The Soviet Union dominated veto usage during the early Cold War, while the U.S. significantly increased its vetoes from the 1980s, particularly on Middle East issues. China remained cautious but has become more assertive under Xi Jinping, often aligning with Russia. Over time, the increasing use of the veto has paralyzed the UNSC, weakening its ability to address global security crises.
During Trump’s first term, UNSC dysfunction intensified. Russia vetoed multiple resolutions on Syria, while China and Russia blocked actions on Venezuela and Myanmar. The U.S., in turn, vetoed resolutions critical of its foreign policy, including its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. With a second Trump term likely to bring stronger unilateralism, escalating U.S.-China competition, and Russia’s expansionist ambitions, the UNSC faces further irrelevance. This study examines historical veto patterns, Trump-era UNSC deadlock, and the implications for multilateralism.
To mitigate great power obstructionism, middle powers must play a larger role. The UN General Assembly (UNGA), though non-binding, has pressured great powers, as seen in the 2017 Jerusalem resolution. Regional institutions like ASEAN-led mechanisms, the Quad, and CPTPP also offer alternative diplomatic pathways. Existing research has focused on UNSC structural limitations but lacks analysis of how middle powers adapt to institutional gridlock.
This study employs a historical institutionalist approach, analyzing veto trends from 1945 to the present, coupled with case studies on Trump-era UNSC deadlock and middle-power diplomacy. It asks: 1) How have historical veto patterns shaped UNSC paralysis? 2) How can middle powers leverage UNGA and regional mechanisms to sustain multilateralism? By integrating historical trends and contemporary diplomatic responses, this research provides a framework for understanding the evolving role of middle powers in global governance.