ACT hosts John Jay College Professor George Andreopoulos
On January 20, ACT hosted a guest lecture by George Andreopoulos, Professor of Political Science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the Graduate Center, CUNY, and founding Director of the Center for International Human Rights at John Jay College, who spoke on the future of the UN and of Global Governance.
Professor Andreopoulos' lecture focused on the United Nations' (UN) role in 21st-century global governance. He pointed out that despite the inability of the Security Council to act in unison and pass many of its resolutions, other organs and bodies in the UN system are doing important work collaboratively, notably on essential issues that affect a state's soft power and reputation in the international community. He specifically cited the WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR, and other organizations that are confronting global challenges in a coordinated way, pooling resources, personnel, and know-how.
The discussion then turned to reforming the UN, especially the Security Council, notably of allowing regional powers to decide which country they would like to promote as a permanent member and have regional actors make a case for them at the Security Council. This would allow for consensus among countries in a given region like Africa or Asia to suggest which country should be considered for inclusion as a permanent member. While these reforms are not feasible given the current state of international politics, this should not mean that we should not keep public pressure up to further the conversation of reforming the UN.
Finally, the role of the International Court of Justice's pronouncements was addressed. Professor Andreopoulos opined that states should be required to comply with these judgments and not consider them merely advisory.
A lively audience of students and faculty attended the event, which was coordinated and moderated by ACT Professor Tina Mavrikos in the conference area of the Bissell Library. Professor Andreopoulos appeared with the support of ACT's Dukakis Center.
