German Media: Why Is Germany Seeking a Return to the UN Security Council?
Is the world sliding back into lawlessness? German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told DW in an interview that he hopes Germany’s return to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member will help prevent this trend.
A convoy slowly moved through New York City traffic, sirens wailing, horns blaring, and locals grumbling. In the final minutes, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul finally arrived at the United Nations headquarters.
Wadephul entered the heart of this 80-year-old institution—the most powerful body within it: the Security Council. He delivered a three-minute speech on maritime security, the destructive impacts of the war in Iran, and especially the issue of closing the Strait of Hormuz.
After his speech, Wadephul took a seat at the famous horseshoe-shaped table of the Security Council. But soon, someone asked him to move to the observer seats—because Germany is not currently a member of the Security Council.
Why was Wadephul at the UN?
His mission: to help Germany reclaim a seat at that table and secure a two-year term as a non-permanent member for 2027–2028.
This isn’t the first time. Germany (and former West Germany) has served six terms as a non-permanent member; East Germany had one. The five permanent members—the United States, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom—each hold veto power.
In a exclusive interview with DW, Wadephul expressed cautious optimism about Germany’s chances.
"I believe the opportunity is good, but it’s also competitive and democratic," he told DW. "We could win—or lose. Both outcomes are possible. We have strong reasons: we actively participate in international affairs and are deeply integrated into the UN system."
How are non-permanent seats determined?
Of the Security Council’s 10 non-permanent seats, five will be filled in the June election. For Germany to win one, it must receive two-thirds of the votes in a secret ballot among the 193 member states.
Campaigning is never smooth—too many variables, alliances, and demands. This time is even more complex because Germany announced its candidacy relatively late. One of the five UN regional groups—the Western European and Others Group—has already decided to support Austria and Portugal. Therefore, Germany must seek backing elsewhere.
How can Germany secure enough support?
Wadephul seems to place hope in African nations—the largest voting bloc in the UN, consisting of 54 member states. During his 29-hour stay in New York, he scheduled multiple bilateral meetings, with the most important being a visit to the African Union’s representative office at the UN.
There, Wadephul discussed Germany’s expenditures in development aid—but emphasized that money and donations are not the basis for Germany’s eligibility for a Security Council seat.
"My slogan is: choose a country that has both experience and a genuine interest in understanding other nations and other continents," he told Deutsche Welle.
Another potential factor in the June vote could be Germany’s support for the African Union’s demand for two permanent seats in the Security Council—a component that might or might not be part of a deeper reform of the UN.
Is the UN Still Relevant?
Yet one question remains unanswered: in an era where the jungle law seems to be prevailing, is all this diplomatic effort worthwhile?
"Of course, we face pressure," Wadephul admitted. "The UN system is under pressure too. But I believe diplomacy remains crucial to preventing the jungle law from triumphing in this world."
From Ukraine to Sudan to the Middle East, fires burn across the globe. Many inside the UN hope that the post-World War II, rules-based international order represented by the UN can truly revive.
Germany clearly is quietly positioning itself as a potential driving force behind this possible revival—ideally, with a seat in the Security Council.
Source: DW
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864222197095424/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.