Making the most of the seat at the table

Of the members elected alongside Australia for the 2013-14 term, Argentina and South Korea are likely to be key. Both are well-respected middle powers and G20 members. Argentina has previously served on the Council and contributed to better communication between the Council and troop contributing countries during its last term in 1994. South Korea is likely to advocate a stronger focus on nuclear non-proliferation, especially concerning North Korea. Rwanda, on the Council for the second time, has traditionally had a focus on promoting the transition from peacekeeping to state-building. Luxembourg, elected for the first time, advocates an approach based on the primacy of international law in all Council resolutions and is concerned with non-proliferation issues.^[8]

Understanding these members' priorities and desires in relation to each issue that comes to the Council will be crucial to Australia achieving any difference during its term. Australia will find many friends in relation to its core interests: for example South Korea and Luxembourg are like-minded partners in relation to nuclear non-proliferation issues while Guatemala, Argentina and Morocco will be allies in relation to protecting civilians in armed conflict. The challenge will be in understanding how to work with them to overcome any challenges. If Australia can do this well, it should be able to achieve a real and sustained difference on its core priorities.

Responding and Resourcing

A vital part of being effective on the Security Council is responding to situations that arise. This can sometimes be dramatic: for example, Mexico started its term on 1 January 2009 in the middle of the shelling of Gaza (this could happen again). How countries respond to crises in the heat of the moment is vital. For example, New Zealand still has a great reputation for the way it responded on the Council to the unfolding genocide in Rwanda.

To respond to events effectively requires excellent representation in New York and a strong diplomatic network. The latter area is of concern for Australia. Persistent underinvestment by multiple governments has left Australia with the smallest diplomatic footprint of the G20 countries.[9] For example, Australia currently has only nine High Commissions and Embassies across Africa. This makes it difficult when Australia is called upon to form a view on situations anywhere in the world at a moment's notice.

The increased workload on the Department of Foreign Affairs due to Australia's term on the Security Council – not to mention Australia's hosting of G20 in 2014 and an ever-increasing array of trade negotiations – suggests the need for greater investment in Australia's foreign affairs capacity. In the current budgetary climate, this is something that will require strong political will.

Australia will need to walk into the Security Council Chamber on 1 January next year with a clear agenda. It must understand the dynamics of the Council in 2013-14 and the potential for coalition-building if it is to have any success on selected core issues. Australia's term(s) as President of the Council and taking on of roles in the Council's subsidiary organs provide an opportunity for Australia to promote its priorities and interests, but it will also need to look for innovative ways to reach constructive solutions on the issues of the moment as they arise. If Australia can do this, it will achieve its stated aim of being an effective representative of small and middle powers on the Security Council in 2013-14.

[1] Andrew Hewett, 'Seat or No Seat, Australia has Security Council Status', Sydney Morning Herald, 18 October 2012: (http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/seat-or-no-seat-australia-has-security-council-status-20121018-27sjj.html).

[2] Simon Bensen, 'Foreign Minister Bob Carr Fires Warning Shot on Weapons', Herald Sun, 29 September 2012: (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/foreign-minister-bob-carr-fires-warning-shot-on-weapons/story-fndo317g-1226483733594).

[3] Andrew Hewett, 'Seat or No Seat, Australia has Security Council Status', Sydney Morning Herald, (http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/seat-or-no-seat-australia-has-security-council-status-20121018-27sjj.html), 18 October 2012.

[4]Thom Woodroofe, 'Australia's Two Years on the UN Security Council', Australia and the UN Security Council,Australian Institute of International Affairs Policy Commentary Number 13, October 2012, p 40: http://www.aiia.asn.au/news/31-national-news/905-australia-and-the-un-security-council