Life In Modern Britain - UK’s Role In Key International Organisations Flashcards
What % of the UK’s GDP was spent on defence in 2020?
2.85%
The UN has how may members on the security council?
15 with 5 of them able to veto.
What is the document the UN adopted to identify rights of people?
(UDHR) Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
What is the UN’s main aim?
To maintain peace.
Where does the UN obtain its forces & resources from?
Member states volunteering.
What does NATO stand for?
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
What does NATO do?
Provide collective defence - if 1 member country is attacked the other members come to its defence.
What does NATO set as a target for a country to spend their defence on?
2% of their GDP.
What does the EU encourage between its member countries?
Trade & free movement of people.
Proposals for new laws are drafted by what part of the EU?
European Commission.
What happens at Council of EU meetings?
Member state governments consider proposed laws.
Who is consulted about the proposed laws?
European Council.
What is the Council of Europe?
Human rights organisation in Europe.
What do CofE member countries abide to?
European convention on human rights.
What is the function of the European Court of Human Rights?
Oversee implementation of the convention.
Who makes up the judges in the European Court of Human Rights?
Judges from member countries.
What must countries do to join the Commonwealth?
Sign the charter.
What does the charter entail?
Values that unite the Commonwealth: democracy, rule of law & human rights.
What is the Commonwealth & who is the head?
It’s a voluntary organisation
Queen Elizabeth 2nd
What is the only global organisation to deal with trading rules between nations?
The World Trade Organisation (WTO).
What does the WTO claim to do?
Cut living costs & raise living standards Settle trade disputes & reduce trade tensions between nations Encourage economic growth & employment Cut the cost of doing business Encourage good governance Help countries develop Give the weak a stronger voice Help support health & environment Contribute to peace & stability
What did the UK agree to do after joining the EU?
Pool & share elements of sovereignty over some policy areas.
When the EU lays down rules, can member countries undermine/change them?
No.
In June 2016, what was the outcome of the Brexit referendum?
51.9% voted to leave
There was a 72% voter turnout.
What were the economic benefits the EU brought to the UK?
Generates £10trillion of our economic activity
EU accounts for half of all our trades & investments
Brings 3.5million jobs
What is Article 50?
Lisbon Treaty has a section where if a country wants to leave the EU then they must formally announce it
For 2 yrs they must negotiate a future relationship with the EU
What are the methods used to resolve international disputes & conflicts?
Mediation
Humanitarian aid (soft power)
Sanctions
Hard power
Give an example where the UK’s intervention has been controversial?
Iraq 2001-09
A public inquiry led to the publication of the Chilcot report
There was a massive anti-war demonstration in London prior to a vote in the HOC about the UK’s participation in war.
What is mediation?
Process of involving outsiders in a dialogue to resolve a dispute between 2 parties.
Give an example where the UK has successfully mediated.
The Good Friday agreement.
What are sanctions?
Measures taken by a state against others to achieve a change in policy/action
Can take the form of boycotts
Give an example of sanctions.
Groups/citizens boycotted South African goods when the country was run by the apartheid regime.
Consumers boycotted Nestle after its policy of selling baby feeding products in Africa
How do NGOs help after natural disasters/civil wars?
They provide urgent help & relief.
How much the UK’s GNI has been pledged for international aid spending?
0.7%.
