“The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance.” Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)

UN reform faces a legitimacy gap: post-war institutions do not reflect current power, while rival blocs protect strategic privileges.

Confrontation

• The US and partners emphasise rules and democratic values; Russia and China stress sovereignty, non-interference and multipolarity.
• Vetoes create paralysis over conflicts, sanctions and humanitarian action; representation and development finance remain contested.

Evaluation and path

• Reform should improve representation for Africa, India and other under-represented regions, working-method transparency and voluntary veto restraint in mass atrocities.
• Expansion could itself make consensus harder, but an unrepresentative Council weakens compliance.
• Incremental coalitions, General Assembly legitimacy and issue-based cooperation can advance universalism without ignoring power realities.

Keywords: international relations, United Nations, UN reform, great-power rivalry