Arts & International Affairs: 2.3: Autumn/Winter 2017 | Page 36

ARTS & INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
pirations, and its modus operandi—an argument that brings me to Étienne Balibar’s dis-
cussion of equality.
The performance (titled, as I mentioned before, pUN General Assembly) referred to the
modus operandi of the UN’s General Assembly as its main inspiration, although the
modular structure of the cubes in which the participants sat (which could be rearranged
whenever necessary) also brought to mind the circular structure of the Security Council
table. Before advancing, it is important to stress that the General Assembly’s stated goal
and priority is to reach either consensus or broad majorities. Each of its members (now
193, following the admission of Montenegro in 2006 and South Sudan in 2011) has one
vote (article 18, 1) and important issues such as the election of members to councils 7
and recommendations concerning “international peace and security” can only be taken
if a two-thirds majority of the members is involved (UN 1945, Article 18, 2). That is, its
supranational focus is accompanied by a modus operandi organised around the histori-
cal model of the nation state—extending membership to preexisting political communi-
ties to which it accords equal formal power.
As for the central goal of the Security Council, that is the maintenance of peace and
security—as is described in Chapter V of the Charter. In particular, points 1 and 2 of
article 24 affirm that
1. In order to ensure prompt and effective action by the United Nations, its Mem-
bers confer on the Security Council primary responsibility for the maintenance of
international peace and security [...].
2. In discharging these duties the Security Council shall act in accordance with the
Purposes and Principles of the United Nations (UN 1945 [original emphasis]).
However, the modus operandi of the Security Council is also in tension with these prin-
ciples. The forum is composed of five permanent members (China, France, Russian Fed-
eration, United Kingdom and United States) and ten non-permanent members who are
elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms. Each Council member has one
vote and an affirmative vote of at least nine of the 15 members is needed to pass an
action. Additionally, in the case of fundamental issues, nine votes, including the five of
the permanent members holding veto power, are required for an action to proceed. This
is particularly important since the Security Council has the power to establish peace
enforcement operations, including international sanctions, and to authorise military ac-
tion. Moreover, of all the organs of the UN, only the Council can take decisions that are
enforceable under the Charter.
The flexibility of pUN’s seating cubes can be interpreted as highlighting the rigidity of the
Council’s membership structure (that is, its five permanent members, reproducing the
geopolitical order of the post-war period). Additionally, the sculpture Drone Dove, com-
7
For example, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council and the Security Council (non-
permanent members).
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