Context
- The 2026 election for the next UN Secretary-General (UNSG) comes at a time when the UN faces a crisis of credibility and relevance.
- Rise of populist, ultra-nationalist governments worldwide is undermining multilateralism and the rules-based global order.
- Reflection on figures like U Thant (Burma) and K.M. Panikkar (India) highlights the role of the Global South in shaping internationalism during the Cold War and decolonisation era.
Relevance:
• GS-2 (International Relations): Analyses UN reforms, Global South diplomacy, and India’s historical role in shaping postcolonial internationalism.
• GS-1 (Modern History): Examines figures like U Thant and K.M. Panikkar in Cold War and decolonisation contexts.
The UN’s Current Crisis
- Erosion of Multilateralism:
Populist leaders prioritise national sovereignty over collective global solutions, weakening cooperation in areas like climate change, migration, and conflict resolution. - Power Imbalance:
UNSC remains dominated by the P5 (US, UK, France, Russia, China) — representing the 1945 world order, not the 21st-century realities. - Legitimacy Deficit:
Growing disillusionment due to UN inaction on conflicts (Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan) and failure to reform veto and membership structures. - Funding Constraints:
Over 75% of the UN’s budget comes from less than 10 countries, allowing political leverage over UN operations.
U Thant’s Legacy: Global South Diplomacy
- Tenure: 1961–1971 (First Asian and non-European UNSG).
- Crisis Management:
- Cuban Missile Crisis (1962): Brokered backchannel diplomacy between the US and USSR, averting nuclear war.
- Indo-Pak War (1965): Facilitated ceasefire and supported the Tashkent Agreement (1966).
- Congo Crisis: Ensured UN intervention supported decolonisation efforts.
- Institutional Reforms:
- Advocated financial autonomy for the UN; urged big powers to share the fiscal burden.
- Championed Afro-Asian solidarity and supported anti-colonial movements.
- Ideological Position:
- Argued for “world citizenship” over narrow nationalism — “Patriotism is good, but allegiance to the world community is essential.”
- Supported recognition of People’s Republic of China in 1971, showing foresight in global power balance.
- Challenges:
- US opposition during Vietnam War; accused of bias for criticising American aggression.
- Faced Western backlash for ordering UN peacekeepers to withdraw in the 1967 Six-Day War.
K.M. Panikkar’s Vision: India’s Civilisational Diplomacy
- Background: Historian, freedom fighter, and diplomat; served as Ambassador to China (1948–55) and Egypt.
- Worldview:
- Advocated an “Asian Resurgence” based on shared civilisational heritage and anti-colonial solidarity.
- Coined the idea of India’s maritime power as a determinant of strategic autonomy — precursor to India’s Indo-Pacific policy.
- Diplomatic Contributions:
- Supported recognition of Communist China (1949) much before the West.
- Shaped India’s role during Suez Canal Crisis (1956) — upholding anti-imperialism.
- Opposed creation of Israel at the UNGA (1948) but later urged India to establish relations pragmatically.
- Criticisms:
- Misjudged China’s Tibet occupation (1950), leading to Sardar Patel’s reprimand.
- Accused of being overly conciliatory (“gone native”) — yet represented India’s non-aligned realism.
Comparative Overview
| Aspect | U Thant (UNSG) | K.M. Panikkar (India’s Diplomat) |
| Origin | Burma (Myanmar), Global South | India, Postcolonial Civilisational State |
| Role | Multilateral leadership | National diplomacy within global framework |
| Approach | Peace diplomacy, decolonisation, moral persuasion | Realist diplomacy rooted in Asian identity |
| Conflict Mediation | Cuban Missile Crisis, Indo-Pak War | Tibet issue, Suez, recognition of China |
| Legacy | UN reformer and symbol of Global South assertion | Architect of India’s strategic thought and maritime doctrine |
Relevance Today
- Resurgence of Nationalism: Echoes Thant’s warning — “My country, right or wrong” mindset is replacing international solidarity.
- Reclaiming Global South Voices:
- G-77 and BRICS+ are modern successors to the Afro-Asian internationalism Thant envisioned.
- India’s “Voice of the Global South Summit” (2023) mirrors Panikkar’s civilisational outreach.
- UN Reform Debate:
- Need for expansion of UNSC membership (India, Japan, Brazil, African Union).
- Calls for veto reform, financial independence, and revitalisation of UNGA authority.
- Lessons for Future UNSG (2026):
- Must blend moral authority (like Thant) with strategic pragmatism (like Panikkar).
- Reorient the UN toward equitable multipolarity rather than P5 dominance.
