Can the UN Charter Be Reformed? | To Save Us From Hell

Can the UN Charter Be Reformed? | To Save Us From Hell

Author: Global Dispatches October 23, 2025 Duration: 22:31

The Security Council is deep into negotiations around authorizing an international stabilization force for Gaza.  But even if the Council approves such a mission, will it actually deploy? In this episode of To Save Us From Hell,  Mark and Anjali share their doubts. Also up: the Trump administration blew up a global deal to put a price on carbon in international shipping — a move that would have pushed the industry toward zero emissions. Mark and Anjali break down this latest clash between Washington and the U.N. But first, Anjali and Mark sit down with Heba Aly, director of a new coalition called Article 109, which is taking on a bold mission: reforming the U.N. Charter itself. Article 109 is a little-known provision of the Charter that enables member states to review and revise it — but it's never been invoked. So, is now the right time to open up the U.N. Charter to review? What would that actually entail? And is it even a good idea? Listen and learn!

The full episode is available for our paying subscribers. https://www.globaldispatches.org/40percentoff 


For years, Global Dispatches--World News That Matters has carved out a unique space, going beyond the headlines to explore the forces and figures shaping our world. This isn't about rapid-fire soundbites; it's a series of substantive conversations with the people directly involved-diplomats negotiating treaties, reporters on the ground in conflict zones, and scholars analyzing long-term trends in global development and international relations. The discussions delve into the "why" behind the news, providing context that is often missing from daily reporting. Recognized by The Guardian as a podcast designed to make you smarter, it serves an audience that feels underserved by superficial summaries. Each episode is built on the premise that complex events deserve nuanced explanation. By listening, you gain access to a clearer, more informed perspective on pivotal issues, from geopolitical shifts to humanitarian crises. The podcast’s longevity as an independent program speaks to its consistent quality and dedicated following. Tune in for a deeper, more thoughtful analysis of the stories that truly matter, presented through the voices of those who know them best.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters
Podcast Episodes
The Stark Demise of the Era of NGOs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:09
In 1997, Jessica Matthews' landmark Foreign Affairs essay "Power Shift" captured the growing influence of NGOs and other non-state actors in shaping global affairs. But nearly three decades later, that tide has turned. A…
A New Study Shows that Sanctions Kill As Many People As War [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:43
A groundbreaking new study published in the British medical journal The Lancet Global Health finds that unilateral economic sanctions—most of which are imposed by the United States—lead to approximately 564,000 excess de…
The Global Backlash Against Gender Equality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:19
A furious backlash against gender equality, women's rights, and LGBTQ rights is sweeping the globe. In a new report for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, my guest today, Saskia Brechenmacher, shows that thi…
Nigeria's Herder-Farmer Violence is Escalating [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:38
The farmer-herder conflict in Nigeria is a long-running and deadly struggle over land and resources, primarily between nomadic herders—mostly from the Fulani ethnic group—and settled farming communities. Driven by factor…
What the NATO Summit Tells Us About The Future of European Security [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:56
The leaders of NATO met in The Hague on June 25th for a rather truncated meeting with a limited agenda. Unlike recent NATO summits, this one did not focus much on the war in Ukraine, countering China, or other broad inte…