Emerging Powers and the UN : What Kind of Development Partnership?

The end of the Cold War altered many givens, but one thing remains remarkably fixed: the echo chamber for so many ‘debates’ in international relations have consisted essentially of the North talking to the North, and the South talking to the South—with sparks flying when the two categories get together to negotiate or hammer out compromises. By shedding light on some of the pre-set positions and motivations of actors whose roles within UN processes have not always been clear, this book seeks to continue the dialogue begun in the pages of the Third World Quarterly over recent years on the role of emerging powers. This book was originally published as a special issue of Third World Quarterly.

The post-2015 sustainable development goals and the changing environment for development cooperation requires a renewed and transformed UN system. In line with their increasing significance as economic powers, a growing number of emerging countries will play an expanded role in the UN system, which could take the form of growing financial contributions, greater presence in governance, higher staff representation, a stronger voice in development deliberations, and a greater overall influence on the development agenda.

Emerging Powers and the UN explores in depth the relationship of these countries on the world stage and their role in the future UN development system. Formally, the relationship is through representation as member states (first UN) and also UN staff (second UN). However, the importance of civil society and market actors (third UN) in emerging countries is also growing.

This book was originally published as a special issue of Third World Quarterly.