Reinvigorating Global Governance Through “Just Security”

2019, which falls between the centenary of World War One and the seventy-fifth anniversary of the end of World War Two and the birth of the United Nations, is an opportune moment to reflect on the current “anti-multilateralist turn” in international politics and the growing array of global problems that can only be managed multilaterally. This policy essay does so conceptually, substantively, institutionally, and strategically. Conceptually, it explains how lasting solutions to global problems must necessarily address underlying justice and security concerns. Substantively, the essay showcases specific reforms that a “just security” approach engenders in the areas of conflict prevention, the hyperconnected global economy, and climate. Institutionally, it highlights systemwide reforms that can help multilateral institutions deliver better outcomes to their many and varied stakeholders. Lastly, the essay outlines a strategy of harnessing “smart coalitions” and using the UN’s upcoming major anniversary to make real progress toward a reinvigorated system of global governance.