The United Nations has warned that growing conflicts are exposing serious weaknesses in international cooperation, with Security Council veto power emerging as a major obstacle. A new report links the council’s decision-making paralysis to the rising number of state-based conflicts worldwide.
The World Social Report 2026 highlights growing geopolitical divisions as major powers compete for political, economic, and military influence. Consequently, international mechanisms face increasing difficulties in preventing conflicts and supporting collective action.
UN Calls for Security Council Reforms
The report identifies the veto powers of the Security Council’s five permanent members as a key barrier to effective multilateral responses. This paralysis has weakened decision-making and limited efforts to prevent or end conflicts.
In response, the UN secretary-general has called for reforms, including expanding Security Council membership. The proposed changes aim to improve representation, particularly for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Asia-Pacific region.
These regions remain underrepresented despite carrying significant responsibilities in peacemaking. Therefore, the report stresses the importance of a governance system that reflects today’s global realities.
Geopolitical Rivalries Deepen Global Divisions
The World Social Report 2026 says geopolitical fragmentation has significantly increased global risks. Multiple centres of power are now competing for economic, military, and political dominance.
According to the report, the number of countries exercising substantial influence over another country has increased considerably. It rose from six in the 1970s to 34 today.
Meanwhile, relations between neighbouring countries have also deteriorated. During 2024–25, 59 countries recorded poor relations with neighbours, while only 19 reported improvements.
The changing global order reflects a shift from Cold War bipolarity towards a multipolar distribution of power. In theory, this arrangement could strengthen international cooperation compared with domination by one superpower or two rivals.
However, strategic competition threatens collective decision-making. As a result, countries increasingly pursue smaller partnerships described as “minilateralism” or “coalitions of the willing”.
UN Report Urges Stronger International Cooperation
Prepared by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the report emphasises the importance of renewed multilateral cooperation. It says collective action can mobilise resources, strengthen accountability, support social progress, and create development opportunities.
Moreover, international cooperation remains essential for addressing challenges beyond individual countries’ capacities. These include debt burdens, financing gaps, digital taxation, technological divides, and climate-related vulnerabilities.
The report proposes three priorities for a renewed multilateral agenda:
- Expanding fiscal space: Strengthen international tax cooperation and domestic resource mobilisation. Additionally, support developing countries in reducing borrowing costs and debt-service burdens.
- Improving technology access: Expand access to innovation and digital infrastructure. This would help developing countries participate more effectively in the global economy.
- Reforming global governance: Make international institutions more representative, inclusive, and responsive. Consequently, reforms could restore confidence in collective action and strengthen accountability for development outcomes.
Rising Conflicts Put Development at Risk
Geopolitical tensions and armed conflicts are disrupting international cooperation, trade, and supply chains. Furthermore, governments are diverting financial and political resources away from development priorities.
Military spending has also increased sharply, according to the report. More than half of countries raised defence spending as a share of GDP between 2020 and 2024.
Meanwhile, all nine nuclear-armed states have expanded their arsenals since 2022, the report says.
These developments create additional challenges for countries with limited financial and institutional resources. In particular, they face greater difficulties securing funding, technology, and expertise for climate action, digital transformation, and poverty reduction.
Conflict and Inequality Threaten Vulnerable Communities
Low-income and vulnerable economies face especially severe consequences, including least developed countries affected by conflict and fragility. For these countries, instability directly obstructs development and social inclusion.
Conflict destroys productive assets, discourages investment, and weakens institutions. In addition, displacement disrupts education, healthcare, and livelihoods, placing further pressure on affected communities.
The report also warns that rapid economic, digital, and energy transformations are leaving billions behind. Many people still lack access to jobs, skills, essential services, infrastructure, and social protection.
Ultimately, the findings highlight the need to strengthen international cooperation while making development more inclusive. Without meaningful reforms and coordinated action, geopolitical fragmentation could further undermine efforts to address conflicts and global inequalities.
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