Background. Since its inception in 2001 and international acceptance in 2005, R2P has increasingly been derided by many as a Western-centric, Occidentalist doctrine ill-suited to the realities of the developing world. Critics sensed colonialist undertones and worried about unchecked Western encroachments on national sovereignty in the Global South. R2P has been used or cited numerous times over the past decade from 2005-Present, with some interventions experiencing more success than others. Currently, the ongoing civil war in Syria, combined with …show more content…
The recommendation for action by the SG has the benefit of bringing the weight of the office to bear. The perceived impartiality of the SG, as well as respect historically accorded the office will allow the SG to work well as a broker for bringing BRICS back into the R2P fold.
Cons. Although all five BRICS nations have nuanced positions regarding R2P, there is the possibility of total repudiation in the near future, especially Russia with respect to Syria. Such loss of support will weaken the doctrine, and the SG runs the risk of being associated with this schism.
Conclusion. The Secretary-General is in a unique position to broker amongst BRICS nations and between BRICS and other fora. BRICS nations represent significant portions of the world’s population, as well as the world’s economy and military might. Brazil has even offered up an alternative to R2P (Responsibility While Protecting). Moving forward with application of R2P without full-throated BRICS support will result in significant loss of credibility and legitimacy. Negotiating their continued adherence to the R2P principles will do much for the future of world stability and to help prevent future humanitarian crises across the