In 2023, as the settlement date of UN contributions approaches, a list of arrears gradually emerges. According to statistics, 52 countries, including the United States, have failed to pay their dues on time due to various reasons, which has put certain pressure on the normal operation of the United Nations. As the world's largest contributor, the United States has attracted widespread attention for its delinquent behavior.
In fact, this is not the first time that the United States has defaulted on its dues. Over the past few years, the United States has had a number of overdue payments. So why is the United States in arrears?
First of all, economic factors are one of the main reasons for the arrears of membership dues in the United States. In recent years, the U.S. economy has faced some difficulties, such as the epidemic and inflation, which have led to a decrease in fiscal revenue and increased spending pressure. In such a situation, the United States** may prioritize spending in other areas and prioritize the United Nations' contributions over others.
Second, political factors may also have an impact on U.S. delinquency behavior. The political relationship between the United States and the United Nations has always been complex. On some issues, the United States may feel that the United Nations has not adequately reflected its position and interests, and therefore has developed a certain resistance to the payment of contributions.
In addition, some political forces may also use arrears as a means of exerting pressure on the United Nations.
The main reason for the increasing number of countries to pay their contributions is that the functions of the United Nations are affected by the rivalry between major powers and cannot play their due role, which leads to dissatisfaction that is not in the interests of all countries and reduces the willingness to pay.
If the United Nations is shut down due to arrears, it will inevitably be beneficial for the United States and Western countries to promote the Western unipolar order with the help of the G7 and other organizations. Of course, this will also further strengthen the role of non-Western multilateral organizations such as the SCO and BRICS.
What has the United Nations done to respond to the United States' delinquency?
1.Strengthening fiscal discipline: The United Nations can strengthen fiscal discipline for member states to ensure that all countries pay their contributions on time. For countries in arrears, the United Nations can take corresponding punitive measures, such as restricting their right to speak and vote within the United Nations.
2.Reform of the contribution system: The United Nations could reform the existing contribution system to distribute its share of contributions in a fairer and more equitable manner. This would reduce the burden on economically disadvantaged countries and ensure that all Member States could pay their contributions in accordance with their economic situation.
3.Strengthen international cooperation: The United Nations can strengthen cooperation with other international organizations, financial institutions, etc., to jointly solve economic problems on a global scale. Through international cooperation, the economic pressure of some countries can be alleviated and the occurrence of arrears of contributions can be reduced.
4.Increased transparency: The United Nations could strengthen financial management and information disclosure, as well as increase transparency in the payment and use of contributions. This will help to increase the trust and support of Member States in the United Nations and reduce the occurrence of arrears.
In short, in the face of the arrears of the United States, the United Nations needs to take a series of countermeasures to protect its rights and interests and normal operations. The problem of arrears could be resolved progressively and the stability and development of the United Nations could be ensured through strengthened financial discipline, reform of the contribution system, enhanced international cooperation and greater transparency.