A new debate has started in international politics regarding the manner in which US President Donald Trump has proposed the Board of Peace for Gaza. The way Donald Trump is sending invites to people for this, apprehensions are being raised that it is being seen not only as an initiative related to the Gaza crisis, but as an alternative global system challenging the influence of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Trump’s invitation letters are reaching the Prime Ministers and Presidents of many countries like India, Pakistan, Italy and Turkey, due to which the structure of this proposed body is getting strengthened. Although the Board of Peace is initially being formed to monitor the ceasefire and further arrangements in Gaza, but looking at the invitation being sent to different countries, it seems that this is a different association being formed.
What is Board of Peace?
The Board of Peace is a board created to manage the ceasefire and further arrangements in Gaza. However, it is feared that there is a plan to establish it as a new international organization and transitional governing administration. What Trump has written in his invitation does not limit this board to Gaza only. It has been written that this is a new and bold way to resolve global disputes, which shows a different path from existing institutions.
Give money, subscribe to the board
The most controversial thing about this initiative is its membership system. According to Bloomberg report –
- Countries that contribute $1 billion can get permanent membership.
- Temporary membership of 3 years can be given without any financial contribution.
This model is completely different from the United Nations, where permanent membership is based on the post-Second World War power structure. In such a situation, there are criticisms regarding this that the global governance system will become based only on money. However, Trump’s supporters consider it a means of taking effective and fast decisions.
Name of UNSC, but work will be different
The invitation letters that have been sent to India and other countries also mention that the United Nations Security Council has supported America’s 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan. This includes the establishment of a Board of Peace. It is being seen that America is using the legitimacy of UNSC, but is creating a separate platform for ground decisions. Although the current focus of the Board of Peace is Gaza, its language clearly indicates that its scope is open. It has been described as a platform for countries that are ready to lead the way and want to invest in a secure and prosperous future in the times to come.
Will Trump sideline the United Nations?
The strength of the United Nations is already under question. The Trump administration has so far separated the US from 31 UN agencies and drastically cut funding. Also, UNSC has been accused for a long time that it keeps big economic countries like India, Brazil, Turkey and Canada out of permanent membership. It is also interesting that all these countries have received invitations to join the Board of Peace. This is why the question is being raised whether there is a arrangement to gradually shift the Board of Peace to the UN?
