2. Compare the institutional structure of international organizations, e.g. United Nations, Council of Europe. Flashcards
Why int.orgs were estsblished in the first place?
International organizations are primarily established to fulfill functions lone states would not be able or willing to. Their number started to significantly grow after WWI as states realized the possibilities offered by the int orgs in managing global security. Their popularity grew further with the establishment of the UN after WWII and the various economic institutions, such as the IMF, the WTO. Regional institutions became also popular, like the EU, the Council of Europe, and NATO.
Describe the Security Council of the UN!
efficient executive organ with limited membership (15 members - 5 permanent w/ veto power). Has a primary responsibility for maintaining peace and security. Acts on the behalf of the members of the UN, its decisions are binding for the member states, they are primarily the adoption of enforcement of measures, and peaceful settlement of disputes.
Describe the General Assembly of the UN!
parliamentary body, consists of all 193 representatives of member states, each country has one vote, 2/3 majority is needed to adopt a resolution. Except for special topics, such as budget, the decisions of the GA are not binding, resolutions are recommendatory. It has six main committees that cover, respectively: disarmament and international security; economic and financial; social, humanitarian and cultural; special political and decolonisation; administrative and budgetary; and legal matters
Describe the Economic and Social Council of the UN!
its recommendations are not binding, consists of 54 members elected for 3 years by the GA. Writes reports, draft conventions, call on international conferences and suggestions for the GA. created a variety of subsidiary organs, ranging from nine functional commissions, to five regional commissions, and a number of standing committees and expert bodies.
Describe the Secreteriat of the UN!
Sec Gen+his staff. The Sec Gen is appointed by the GA upon the unanimous recommendation of the SC
Descirbe the Trusteeship Council of the UN!
: established to supervise trust territories after WWII. With the independence of Palau, the last remaining trust territory, on 1 October 1994, the Council suspended operation on 1 November that year
Describe the International Court of Justice of the UN!
established in 1946 as the successor to the Permanent Court of International Justice. The ICJ is based in The Hague, in a building appropriately referred to as the Peace Palace, and consists of fifteen ‘titular’ judges (permanent members of the UNSC always have judges). Judges are appointed by the General Assembly and the Security Council for 9 years. Only hears cases between states. States involved in a dispute before the Court are allowed (if they have no titular judge on the bench) to appoint an ad hoc judge of their own choosing, therefore it can happen that there are 17 judges on the bench
Describe the Secretary General of the Council of Europe!
appointed for 5 years by the Parliamentary Assembly
Describe the Parliamentary Assembly of the CoE!
national parliamentarians of all member states reflecting the political spectrum of their national parliament. Rapporteurs are elected to prepare subject-specific reports for the PA. It is seen as the engine of the organization
Describe the Committee of Ministers of the CoE!
Ministers of Foreign Affairs/ambassadors of all 47 member states, each has one vote
