The Muslim World’s Demand for Veto Power in the United Nations; A Geopolitical Reassessment.

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The Muslim World’s Demand for Veto Power in the United Nations; A Geopolitical Reassessment

Introduction

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) remains the most powerful decision-making body in the international system, entrusted with maintaining global peace and security. At its core lies the controversial structure of the P5 — the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China — each possessing the privilege of veto power, enabling any one of them to block a resolution regardless of global consensus.

As the world evolves into a multipolar environment, a major debate has resurfaced:

Should the Muslim world — represented collectively by 57 countries — secure veto power or, at minimum, enhanced decision-making authority within the UN system?

This question is not merely symbolic; it is rooted in demographic strength, economic leverage, historical grievances, and a desire for global justice in matters concerning the Muslim world.

Historical Background

The creation of the United Nations in 1945 occurred under the shadow of World War II. The victorious Allied powers designed a system that secured their dominance through permanent UNSC membership and veto rights.

At that time:

• Most Muslim-majority nations were under colonial rule,
• Their geopolitical influence was minimal,
• Their voices were largely absent from global governance.

As decolonization accelerated in the mid-20th century, the Muslim world emerged as a vast geopolitical bloc, stretching from North Africa to Southeast Asia. Today, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) includes 57 independent states — a large and diverse collective still functioning under a global system shaped by a past that excluded them.

The Case for Muslim Representation

1. Demographic Strength

The Muslim world represents nearly two billion people, constituting one-quarter of humanity.

Despite this demographic weight, the Muslim world has zero representation in the P5 structure.

2. Strategic Geographic Importance

Muslim-majority countries occupy some of the most critical geopolitical locations:

• Hormuz Strait
• Bab-el-Mandeb
• Suez Canal
• Turkish Straits
• The Eastern Mediterranean
• Malacca Strait (Malaysia & Indonesia)

These corridors form the arteries of global trade and energy supply, making the Muslim bloc indispensable to global stability.

3. Economic and Energy Power

Muslim countries collectively control:

• Around 60% of the world’s proven oil reserves
• Over 45% of global gas reserves

This gives them leverage in the global economic order. Additionally, rapidly growing economies like Turkey, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are reshaping global markets.

4. Responsibility Toward Global Peace

Muslim countries are consistently among the top contributors to UN peacekeeping missions.

They maintain strong stakes in resolving global crises, especially those that disproportionately affect Muslim populations — from Palestine to Kashmir, from Sudan to Yemen.

Why the Muslim World Demands Veto Power

1. Correcting Historical Inequality

The UN system reflects the power realities of 1945, not the modern world.

Today’s Muslim nations demand representation that matches their demographic and geopolitical contributions.

2. Preventing Bias in Conflict Resolution.

Many conflicts in the Muslim world have been shaped by geopolitical interests.

Resolutions on:

• Palestine
• Iraq
• Syria
• Libya
• Afghanistan
• Bosnia (in the past)

have repeatedly suffered due to the vetoes or geopolitical agendas of P5 states.

A Muslim voice with veto capability is seen as essential to protect the rights and sovereignty of Muslim-majority regions.

3. Rise of a Multipolar Global System

BRICS, SCO, ASEAN, and African Union have begun reshaping global geopolitics.

The Muslim world argues that UN structures must evolve accordingly. A system dominated by the Western powers and Cold War logic no longer reflects 21st-century realities.

Practical Challenges in Achieving Veto Power

1. Internal Divisions

Unity is the biggest obstacle.

The Muslim world faces deep political, sectarian, and strategic divides:

• Iran vs. Saudi Arabia
• Turkey vs. Egypt
• Qatar vs. GCC
• Pakistan vs. Bangladesh or Iran (regional divergence)

These internal dynamics weaken collective bargaining.

2. Opposition from P5 Powers

The most powerful states have no incentive to share or dilute their authority.

Granting veto power to any new bloc — especially one capable of challenging Western or Eastern geopolitical agendas — is seen as a threat.

3. Regional Competition and Representation Issues

Even if the Muslim bloc demands a permanent seat, key questions arise:

• Which country represents the Muslim world?
• Should it be a rotating seat among regions?
• Should decisions be made collectively through the OIC?

These questions remain unresolved.

Alternative Pathways for Muslim Representation

1. Strengthening OIC as a Unified Diplomatic Bloc

A coordinated OIC voting strategy within the UN, similar to the European Union, can significantly influence global decisions.

2. Permanent Seat Without Veto

A more realistic option: a rotating permanent seat for the Muslim world that offers continuous representation without challenging P5 dominance directly.

3. Building Alternative International Institutions.

Just as BRICS created parallel economic structures, the Muslim world could develop:

• A Muslim Development Bank (stronger and centralized)
• Collective defense/security agreements
• A united economic policy in energy and trade

4. Leveraging Energy and Finance

Coordinated strategies in oil, gas, trade, and investment can create global dependency, increasing bargaining power.

What If All 57 Muslim Countries Threaten to Leave the UN?

Such a collective decision would:

• Damage the UN’s global legitimacy
• Create a massive political and economic shock
• Reconfigure global alliances, especially with BRICS+
• Pressure Western powers due to energy dependencies

However, this scenario requires historical unity, which the Muslim world has not yet achieved.

Conclusion

The Muslim world’s demand for veto power reflects a deeper global reality: the current world order is outdated, unequal, and unrepresentative of modern geopolitical forces.

While gaining veto power remains nearly impossible under present circumstances due to political divisions and resistance from P5 states, the Muslim bloc can still reshape global governance through:

• Unity
• Economic cooperation
• Strategic alliances
• Collective diplomacy

The argument for fair representation will continue to grow as the world transitions from a unipolar to a multipolar system. The Muslim world’s role in this transition will determine whether it becomes a central actor in global governance or remains on the periphery of decisions that shape its destiny.

Syed Ali Raza Naqvi Bukhari

Unity of Peace, Economic Reform, and Global Unity

Founder & Chairman of Tehreek Istehkam Pakistan, and the author of “Law of God” and “Social Democratic System.” Advocate for truth, social justice, and reform in all sectors of society.