In the latest Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi and political scientist Dr Sithembile Mbete argue that the UN Security Council appears paralysed by the interests of a few powerful nations. What do you think? Are we witnessing the slow death of global diplomacy?
I think the UN offers a platform to members to express their views.
However, every idea is equal but does not reflect the relative “power” reflected by the originator.
I feel that comments made should reflect the weight of potential action available to the comment maker
The human species is a herd animal. We live in groups. Somewhat like sheep and in spite of our abilities, we prefer to be led. We like to go with the flow and be one of the crowd. Decision-making is for leaders, ones who stand out from the crowd.
We will follow a leader to our detriment, rather than make our own decisions or, worse, become a leader. If we are following a good leader, all is well. Life is comfortable and predictable. But we will doggedly follow a bad leader - like sheep to the slaughterhouse. That is why dictators are so successful - the sheep do not want to make decisions.
Most communities live in some sort of harmony, accepting the guidance of their leaders, elected to otherwise. Where the wheels fall off is when a megalomaniac gets into the top spot and becomes a Hitler, a Trump, and is able to stay at the top, propped up on the bodies of the victims in the slaughterhouse.
History tells us that such leaders will run out of followers - not because the general herd stopped following them but because a a new leader emerged to take over the herd. Will that leader be benign or malignant? In what passes for a democracy, the voters may decide. History also tells us that voters make bad decisions.
The UN is only relevant if it deters extreme leaders from taking over neighbouring pastures.
The biggest voices at the UN are normally those who are unable/unwilling to provide solutions. They simply want to complain about that which they feel important, normally blamed on those who have the will and resources to act to resolve situations, often raised by those with the largest mouths, shortest arms and deepest pockets