Search for Peace and Security- United Nations Flashcards
1
Q
United Nations - proposed by US president Franklin Roosevelt
A
- the United Nations Conference on International Organisation, was held from 25 April to 26 June 1945 in San Francisco and the UN charter was decided (principles, aims, guidelines etc.
- Officially founded 24 October 1945
- Largest international organisation in the world with currently 193 member states
- goals:
- guardian of international law, aiming to settle disputes peacefully through legal mechanisms like the International Court of Justice rather than war
- combat abuses such as genocide, slavery and discrimination
- Humanitarian aid in times of crisis and conflict
- global interdependence and internationalism for mutual benefit
- Its effectiveness is often influenced by political will of its members states and its structural limitations with issues such as increased proxy wars .
- quite effective at peace keeping and conflict such as in Sierra Leone and Cambodia in late 90s and early 2000s
- humanitarian aid to famine stricken areas such as South Sudan and responding to global health crises like the ebola outbreak, 2013-2016
- However, the veto power held by the permanent members of the Security Council can block actions even when there is broad international support, such as conflicts in Syria and Ukraine, where vetoes have paralysed decision-making
also UN’s peacekeeping missions have occasionally failed such as Rwanda 1994 where the UN could not prevent genocide
2
Q
Compared to League of nations
A
- authority to impose military actions
- The UN addresses not only military conflicts but also humanitarian crises, human rights violations, and development issues, contributing to a more holistic approach to peace and security.
