The United Nations Flashcards
What are the main organs of the UN?
- The General Assembly
- The Security Council
- The International Court of Justice
- The Secretary-General
What are the aims of the UN?
- To maintain international peace and security by taking effective collective measures
- To develop friendly relations among the nations
- To achieve international cooperation in solving international issues
What is Article 2(1)?
Sovereign equality of all its members
What is Article 2(3)?
International disputes to be settled by peaceful means
What is Article 2(4)?
Renunciation of the use of force
What is Article 2(5)?
Members are to assist UN for any action in accordance to the charter
What is Article 2(7)?
Nothing authorises the UN to intervene in matters of domestic jurisdiction
What is the role of the General Assembly?
- Serves as a forum for all member states to represented
2. To decide and pass resolutions
What are the successes and limitations of the GA?
Successes
1. The Uniting for Peace Resolution
Limitations
- Non-binding resolutions (lack of enforcement power)
- Tedious manner of procedure
- Overpowered by aims & interests of great powers
What is the role of the Security Council?
To maintain or restore international peace and security
What are the limitations of the Security Council?
Limitations
- Structural handicap (misuse of veto, lack is standing military, lack of finances)
- Priority of National interests over International Peace
- Obstructed role of Sec-Gen
- Non-enforcement of ICJ rulings
What are the 4 tools of the Security Council? (state their purposes)
- Peacekeeping
- Peace Enforcement
- Peacemaking
- Peace building
Peacekeeping: deployment of UN presence to prevent/stop violence
Peace enforcement: Occurs during fighting. UN intervenes and brings end to conflict (yawing force)
Peacemaking: Action to bring hostile parties to agreement by peaceful means
Peace building: Occurs after violent hostilities have ceased. To prevent recurrence of violence to sustain peaceful relationships
What were the successes and limitations of PE efforts in the Korean War?
Successes
- Prompt response
- Ended aggression of North Korea
- Expanded role + responsibilities of the General Assembly
Limitations
- USSR Objectives
- A US led rather than UN led operation
- No resolution to the crisis
What were the successes and limitations of the Suez Crisis 1956?
Successes
- Prompt response
- Effectiveness of the SG
- Swift formation and deployment of UNEF (UN Emergency Force)
Limitations
- Resolution of the crisis not due to UN but other factors
- Eventual withdrawal of UNEF by 1967
What were the successes and limitations of the Congo Crisis (1960-1964)?
Successes
- Overall unity in the SC
- Active role of the Sec-Gen
- Expansion of meaning if peacekeeping
Limitations
- Complex domestic situation
- CW rivalry imposed on Sec-Gen effectiveness
- Financial issues + disagreements
- Continued instability after withdrawal of UNOC