What is G4?
Historical Background
Key Points
13 points- 1.
The G4's primary objective is to secure permanent seats on the UN Security Council. This is driven by the belief that the current UNSC composition, with its five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), does not adequately represent the world's major powers or reflect the geopolitical realities of the 21st century.
- 2.
The G4 nations mutually support each other's bids for permanent seats. This means that India supports Brazil, Germany, and Japan's candidacies, and vice versa. This unified approach aims to increase their collective leverage and demonstrate a shared commitment to UNSC reform.
- 3.
A key argument of the G4 is that they are all major contributors to the UN's budget and activities. For example, Germany and Japan are consistently among the largest financial contributors to the UN, while India and Brazil are significant troop contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. This demonstrates their commitment to the UN system and their capacity to shoulder the responsibilities of permanent membership.
- 4.
The G4 advocates for an expansion of both the permanent and non-permanent categories of UNSC members. They propose adding six permanent members (including themselves) and four non-permanent members, bringing the total number of UNSC members to 25. This expansion aims to make the Council more representative of different regions and perspectives.
- 5.
One of the major sticking points in UNSC reform is the issue of the veto power. The current permanent members have the power to veto any resolution, which can effectively block action on critical issues. The G4's position on the veto varies, with some members open to initially forgoing the veto if granted permanent membership, while others insist on having the same rights as the existing permanent members.
- 6.
The G4's efforts are often met with resistance from other UN member states, particularly those who feel their own regional influence would be diminished by the G4's inclusion. For example, countries like Italy and Pakistan have formed groups like the Uniting for Consensus to oppose the G4's bid and advocate for alternative reform models.
- 7.
The G4's campaign for UNSC reform is not just about prestige or power. They argue that a more representative UNSC would be better equipped to address global challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and pandemics. By including major developing nations, the UNSC would gain a better understanding of the perspectives and needs of the Global South.
- 8.
The G4's efforts have led to numerous resolutions and proposals for UNSC reform being debated at the UN General Assembly. However, none of these proposals have garnered the necessary support to pass, due to the complex political dynamics and competing interests of UN member states. A two-thirds majority of the UN General Assembly (128 out of 193 member states) is required to amend the UN Charter.
- 9.
The G4's advocacy for UNSC reform is closely linked to the broader debate about the future of multilateralism and the role of international organizations in addressing global challenges. They argue that the UN needs to adapt to the changing world order and become more effective in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development.
- 10.
The G4's pursuit of permanent UNSC seats reflects their growing economic and political influence on the world stage. India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan are all major economies and key players in their respective regions. Their inclusion in the UNSC would acknowledge their contributions to global governance and give them a greater voice in shaping international policy.
- 11.
A practical implication of G4 membership in the UNSC would be a shift in the Council's priorities and focus. With greater representation from developing nations, the UNSC would likely pay more attention to issues such as poverty reduction, climate change adaptation, and access to healthcare and education.
- 12.
The G4's efforts are often portrayed as a challenge to the existing world order, but they argue that their goal is to strengthen the UN system and make it more relevant to the needs of the 21st century. They believe that a more representative UNSC would be more legitimate and effective in addressing global challenges.
- 13.
The G4's campaign highlights the inherent tensions between the principles of sovereignty and multilateralism. While nations are reluctant to cede power to international organizations, they also recognize the need for collective action to address global problems. The UNSC reform debate reflects this ongoing struggle to balance national interests with the common good.
Recent Developments
10 developmentsIn 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for a more inclusive and effective multilateralism, which indirectly supports the G4's push for UNSC reform.
During the 2023 UN General Assembly session, the G4 foreign ministers held a meeting to reaffirm their commitment to UNSC reform and to coordinate their efforts in the upcoming negotiations.
In 2024, the President of the UN General Assembly appointed co-chairs to lead intergovernmental negotiations on UNSC reform, signaling a renewed effort to address the issue.
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, during his visit to India in February 2026, reiterated his support for India and Brazil as members of the Permanent Security Council, highlighting the G4's ongoing efforts.
The discussions between India and Brazil in February 2026 focused on strengthening their strategic partnership and their shared vision for an inclusive and multipolar world order, which includes UN Security Council reform.
Despite ongoing discussions, there is no clear timeline for when UNSC reform might actually occur. The process is complex and requires the support of a two-thirds majority of the UN General Assembly, as well as the consent of all five permanent members of the Security Council.
In 2025, the G4 nations jointly presented a revised proposal for UNSC reform, taking into account some of the concerns raised by other member states. The proposal included suggestions for a gradual expansion of the Council and a review of the veto power after a certain period.
Several smaller nations and regional blocs continue to advocate for alternative models of UNSC reform, such as expanding only the non-permanent category or creating new categories of membership with limited powers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the need for a more effective and representative UN Security Council, as the Council struggled to coordinate a global response to the crisis. This has added urgency to the calls for reform.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has also underscored the limitations of the current UNSC, as Russia's veto power has effectively blocked any meaningful action by the Council. This has further fueled the debate about the need for reform.
This Concept in News
1 topicsFrequently Asked Questions
61. What's the most common MCQ trap regarding G4, and how can I avoid it?
The most common trap is confusing the G4 with other international groupings, especially the G7 or G20. Examiners often include options with incorrect member countries. Remember: G4 is Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan, focused *specifically* on UNSC reform. Don't get distracted by options listing other major economies or political players.
Exam Tip
Use the mnemonic 'Brij-G4': B-Brazil, R-rest of the world (G7/G20), I-India, J-Japan. This helps quickly eliminate wrong options in MCQs.
2. Why does the G4 exist – what specific problem is it trying to solve that other mechanisms can't?
The G4 exists to address the perceived democratic deficit and outdated composition of the UN Security Council. While other forums like the UN General Assembly allow for broader discussion, the UNSC holds the power to authorize military interventions and impose sanctions. The G4 argues that the UNSC's current permanent members (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US) don't reflect the current global power distribution, particularly the rise of major developing nations. The G4 aims to *forcefully* advocate for their inclusion as permanent members, something individual nations lobbying alone have failed to achieve.
3. What is the G4's stance on the veto power, and why is this a point of contention?
The G4's stance on the veto power is not uniform, which is a major point of contention. Some members, like Japan and Germany, have indicated a willingness to initially forgo the veto if granted permanent membership, understanding that acquiring it immediately might be unrealistic. Others, like India and Brazil, have historically argued for the same rights and responsibilities as existing permanent members, including the veto. This difference in opinion weakens their collective bargaining position, as critics argue it shows a lack of consensus on fundamental issues of UNSC reform.
4. Why has the G4's push for UNSC reform been largely unsuccessful despite decades of effort?
The G4's efforts have been hampered by several factors: answerPoints: * Lack of Consensus: The UN General Assembly requires a two-thirds majority (128 out of 193 member states) to amend the UN Charter. The G4 has struggled to achieve this consensus due to competing interests and regional rivalries. * Opposition from Uniting for Consensus: Countries like Italy and Pakistan, who formed the 'Uniting for Consensus' group, actively oppose the G4's bid, advocating for alternative reform models that focus on increasing the number of non-permanent seats. * Veto Power Concerns: Existing permanent members are hesitant to dilute their power by adding new permanent members with veto power. This makes them less likely to support reforms that could diminish their influence. * Geopolitical Shifts: Shifting global alliances and priorities can impact the willingness of countries to support UNSC reform. For example, a change in government in a key member state could alter its stance on the G4's bid.
5. In the Prelims exam, what specific details about the G4's proposals for UNSC expansion are most likely to be tested?
Focus on the numbers: The G4 proposes adding six permanent members (including themselves) and four non-permanent members. This would bring the total number of UNSC members to 25. Examiners often test these specific numbers, so memorize them. Also, be aware that the G4's proposal is just *one* of several reform models being debated; don't assume it's the only one.
Exam Tip
Create a flashcard: 'G4 UNSC Expansion: +6 Permanent, +4 Non-Permanent, Total 25'. Review it regularly.
6. What is the strongest argument critics make against the G4's bid for permanent UNSC seats, and how would you respond to it?
Critics argue that granting permanent seats to the G4 would not necessarily make the UNSC more representative or effective. They contend that the G4 countries, while significant, do not fully represent the diversity of the Global South and that their inclusion could further marginalize smaller and less powerful nations. Some also question the G4's human rights records or commitment to international law. In response, one could argue that the G4's inclusion would still be a significant improvement over the current composition, which is heavily skewed towards Western powers. The G4 countries are major contributors to the UN system and represent a wide range of perspectives. Furthermore, their inclusion could encourage greater cooperation and engagement from other developing nations, leading to a more balanced and effective UNSC.