The state of multilateralism: crisis or renaissance?

About this episode

Historian Alanna O'Malley discusses the role of Global South actors in shaping the UN and argues for a renaissance in multilateralism amidst current challenges.

Historian Alanna O'Malley explores how Global South actors have shaped the United Nations, arguing we should view today's challenges as an opportunity for a UN 'renaissance' rather than a collapse. She highlights invisible histories, multi-alignment strategies, regional and minilateral developments, and the need for Charter reform, greater legitimacy, accountability and public engagement to renew multilateralism. Professor O'Malley reflects from a historical point of view on the upcoming process of selection and appointment of the next Secretary-General highlighting the importance that broad global perspective and public traction need to play and urges recognizing the UN as a flexible, multipurpose institution that must be retooled and better resourced to protect sovereignty, human rights and equal representation. Resources: Ask a Librarian! https://www.eur.nl/en/people/alanna-sylver-omalley Where to listen to this episode Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/10fp8ROoVdve0el88KyFLy YouTube: https://youtu.be/kjatLR9EjHY Content Guest: Professor Dr. Alanna O'Malley Host, production and editing: Amy…

People in this episode

Host: Amy Smith

Guest: Alanna O'Malley

Topics covered

• multilateralism
• Global South
• United Nations
• historical perspective
• Charter reform
• sovereignty
• human rights

Keywords

• multilateralism
• Global South
• UN renaissance
• historical perspective
• Charter reform
• human rights
• sovereignty
• accountability

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: United Nations, UN Library & Archives Geneva

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