The United Nations Flashcards
what is the UN?
An organisation created in 1945 following World War II to promote international corporation and to prevent another such conflict
It is the only IGO where all the world’s states can be members
A global forum where all states regardless of the size of government or regime type can meet and engage in dialogue over challenges facing humanity in the 21st-century
These challenges include climate change international terrorism food production human rights poverty and humanitarian and health interventions
overriding aims of the UN
Upholding international laws and human rights
Committed to world peace and security insuring worldwide security economic development and social advancement existed to foster communication between its member states to achieve global goals which would be impossible individually most of what the UN does is centred around help in developing countries the council works with specialist agencies like the world health organisation is on the High Commissioner for refugees to achieve this promotes global corporation fights hunger poverty child mortality healthcare drugs promotes women’s rights et cetera
origins and development of the UN
Came into existence in October 1945 based on proposals by China the Soviet union the UK and the USA
Initially had 51 member states but membership has since grown to 193
Its headquarters is located in New York City
Funded through contributions of member states
Established after the horrors of World War II and the earlier failure of the league of Nations
The UN was established by 51 countries in October 1945 in the aftermath of the Second World War and now has expanded to 193 countries each member state that joins the UN signs up to his 1945 charter which outlines its key purposes and principles
what must each member state do?
Each member state agrees to uphold the terms of the 1945 UN charter the preamble talks of the UN is determination to rid the world of The scourge of war reaffirm human rights and equality establish the respect of the rule of law and international treaties and promote social progress and better living standards
Are you and hope still cheap this through states practising tolerance and behaving in enabling way working together to maintain international peace and security avoiding the use of Armed Forces except in the common interest and to use international means for economic and social advancement
what does Article 1 of the UN state?
Article one of the UN charter lays out the purposes of the UN
to maintain international peace and security and to that end to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats the peace and for the suppression of acts of aggression or other breaches of the peace and to bring about by peaceful means and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations that might lead to a breach of the peace
To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of people undertake other appropriate measures to strengthen international and universal peace
To achieve international cooperation in solving international problems of economic social cultural or humanitarian character and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedom is for or without distinction as to race sex language or religion
To be a centre for harmonising the actions of nations in the attainment of these common ends
what does Article 2 of the UN Charter lay out?
Article 2 of the UN charter sets out the principles of the UNThere are seven key principles two of which are crucially important
1) The organisation is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its members (However the UNSC clearly privileges the P5 their veto can cause a resolution to fail or succeed)
7) Nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorise the UN to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of the state
These are two main ways that the UN charter protects state sovereignty
an example of how UN agencies and organisations have grown over the years
The US program specialised agencies and other related institutions have grown over the years for example the intergovernmental panel on climate change IPCC was set up by the US world meteorological organisation in 1988 and the International atomic energy agency was set up in 1957 as a forum for scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field
what are the 6 main UN organs?
The UN has six main organs which were all established in 1945
The general assembly the Security Council the economic and social Council the International Court of Justice the UN Secretariat and the trusteeship council
The UN is separated into a number of administrative divisions that deal with specific subjects
what is the role of the UN General Assembly?
the UNGA Is the main body for over 193 UN members where they are all represented at meet annually for the general assembly session
Contrast to the concentration of power in the Security Council which only has 50 members
The talking shop of the world where each state has an equal say and all voices can be heard
Can be thought of as the UN parliament every member can participate in debates and is represented equally with one vote per state Regardless of size or power
The assembly acts as a parliament of Nations and can make decisions on the budget admittance of new members and matters of peace and security although all decisions require 2/3 majority
Decisions from the assembly or recommendations only they are not binding I cannot be in forced
The main representative deliberative and policy-making body of the UN
All peace security and budgetary decisions require a 2/3 majority is as does any decision to admit a new member which effectively recognises a state in the international community other decisions require a simple majority
The nature of the assembly has changed over time of the process of decolonisation of the admission of new countries to the UN general assembly is now more diverse with a greater range of interest represented than ever before
Includes nearly all internationally recognised countries 193 member states meet annually in September and debates issues on security and diplomacy e.g. in 2015 the major topic was climate change and help in developing countries faced the threat of global warming
Resolutions relating to defence and administrative issues like new membership and budget require a 2/3 majority is to be passed most of the issues only need a simple majority
Every country regardless of size get a single vote
There are two states in the US and that I’m not actual members Vatican City who is government is called the Holy See and Palestine (They are permanent nonmember observer states they can take part in debates but cannot vote)
It’s Annual meeting is held at the UN headquarters in New York each autumn it allows the world leaders to address the UN and there are often votes on major issues such as the 2012 though and Palestine is observer status membership of the UN
strengths of the UNGA
A global forum where every country is a member and no one is excluded — It is a genuinely global institution which gives its recommendations moral authority and constraints the behaviour of states it may not have in Enforcement power but the general assembly represents a huge proportion of world opinion so to ignore it will result in heavy criticism and condemnation
All member states can address concerns ranging from poverty and inequality to peace and security this allows relations between states to grow encourages international cooperation and develops a rule governed international system
Allows equal representation of all states in the international system — One country one vote enshrines the principle of equality of all states and gives the assembly legitimacy in a way that the Security Council does not
Unique in the world if it did not exist it would have to be invented
Winston Churchill famously said “jaw jaw is better than war war”
weaknesses of the UNGA
Works as a talking shop but has little power — No enforcement powers its decisions are only recommendations they are not binding on its members so the general assembly can be seen to lack power and influence, especially on issues such as conflict resolution
Gives equal say to democracies and dictators — One state one vote is unrealistic and illogical as it does not recognise the different population size or powers and capabilities of states
Represents the interests of states not people
Has been subject to block voting is where groups of state support each other to push an agenda through the body does not necessarily make decisions mutually many political rivalry is applied out in the general assembly they have also been criticisms of political posturing by those blocks e.g. the assembly has been frequently criticised by the USA and Israel for disproportionately focusing on allegations of abuses by Israel
what is the UN Security Council?
The most powerful body in the United Nations
Primarily responsible for Maintaining international peace and security the most important UN organ for maintaining peace and security in the world and probably the most important of all international organisations
When there is a threat to peace the council considers ways to settle the dispute peacefully it can result to economic sanctions and authorise the use of force if needed on the chapter 7 of the UN charter
Each member has one vote resolutions must be passed by majority of at least nine and this majority must include all of the P5 members if one P5 member does not want the resolution to pass it will not meaning that they have the power of veto
Can authorise military action to enforce its resolutions and has done so before for example against Iraq in 1990 to 1991
15 members five of whom are permanent members and 10 who are non-permanent members elected by the general assembly for two year period
10 nonpermanent members selected for two year terms by the general assembly three from Africa to from Asia to from Latin America to from Western Europe and others and one from Eastern Europe distributed on a geographical basis
Each member has one vote but permanent members have a veto
Decisions made by the UNSC are binding on all UN member states — It is the only you an organ that has the power to make decisions that member states are obligated to implement
Permanent members with the power of veto P5 China UK from the USA Russia winning powers in World War II Can block any proposed resolutions with which they disagree
10 nonpermanent members elected for two year term is representing Africa eastern Europe Asia Latin America and western Europe Chosen by regional quotas
Peacekeeping forces carry out the Security Council resolutions has around 100,000 soldiers
Exists to prevent conflict on a large-scale promoting peace through diplomacy or sanctions
The P5 Speedo power is incredibly controversial for example the US has vetoed dozens of resolutions against Israel for their actions in the Middle East
The other 10 are elected every two years to ensure that all world regions have representation in the Security Council
who are the 5 permanent members of the UNSC?
The five permanent members are the great power victims of World War II China France the UK the USA and the Soviet union now replaced by Russia
The five permanent members possessing the power of veto impacts the effectiveness of the USA when the interests of the big three public members USA China and Russia are threatened these powers will use their veto which prevents Security Council action as decisions required or five public members to agree
strengths of the UNSC
Represents the realities of the world power China and the USA and Russia are all strong and influential power is the USA is definitely a superpower and China challenge is the US hegemony and Russia is resurging as a dominant force
Can be a powerful force when acting collaboratively
Represents an idea of collective security and represents an idea of upholding the UN charter and maintaining world peace
The UN recognises the importance of major powers to international politics and by granting the P5 the veto it insures the participation of the major powers that are essential to make in the UN as a whole work
The absence of global war since 1945 can be seen as the council success in maintaining overall peace
Establishes a system of collective security the security of each state is the concern of Allstate and all agreed to join in a collective response to acts of aggression e.g. the UN action in the 1991 Gulf War
Peaceful resolution of international conflict through concerted council action e.g. interventions in Sierra Leone 1999 to 2005 and Burundi 1996 onwards
weaknesses of the UNSC
Often powerless to make decisions and take action due to permanent members rivalries and clashes of interest
Gives too much power to already very powerful states so is undemocratic
Historically outdated represents the world world of 1945 but no longer reflects the reality of World War II today arguably France and the UK are no longer powerful enough to be deserving of permanent membership
Lack of permanent members from South America Africa and Asia
Hard to reform as permanent members must agree to changes and will be unwilling to relinquish power
The principle of equality among states is violated by concentrating power in the USA especially the P5 which no longer represent the balance of power or regional balance arguably the UK and France should be replaced perhaps by Brazil and emerging economic power to represent South America or Nigeria to represent Africa
Funding troops and political will often lack this has been a key element of the failures of you admissions e.g. the failure to prevent the 1994 Rwanda genocide of the failures of the UN e.g. in Yugoslavia particularly the massacre at Srebrenica Where UN peacekeepers were based as well as in Rwanda and Syria
absence of global war maybe more down to the balance of power established in the bipolarArity of the Cold War and the UN
Success has been very limited as the council can do no more than its member states allow the P5 use the veto for their own ends rather than to build a collective security the UN charter provides for the creation of a UN standing army but rivalries between the P5 have made this impossible the decision by the USA to invade Iraq despite opposition from other leading members of the UNSC
what is the Economic and Social Council?
Oversees the many UN agencies and their work on economic and social issues And coordinate the economic social and environmental work of the UN
54 elected members Elected by the General assembly for three-year termsthat coordinate And oversee the work ofthe IMF the World Bank the World Trade Organisation the world health organisation the International labour organisation of the United Nations educational scientific and cultural organisation UNESCO
Maintains a wide link to society with registered links to over 3200 NGOs
The World Bank = and International organisation that offers concessional loans and grants to the worlds poorest developing countries in order to reduce poverty
The world trade organisation = an organisation that regulates international trade
While not as headline grabbing as the Security Council the economic and social Council is an important global form for looking at some of humanities most significant challenges that the UNSC does not tackle
Works to improve standards of living and support human rights Responsible for economic security and development of human rights
ECOSOC CASE STUDY: The World Health Organisation (WHO)
The world health organisation is a specialist agency of the UN overseen by the economic and social Council
It aims to increase international cooperation in the field of public health working towards the attainment of all peoples of the highest possible level of health
Particularly focused on fighting diseases controlling academics and improving all round healthcare
Historically it has worked on malaria tuberculosis and AIDS but in recent years they have been concerned with antibiotic resistant superbugs bird flu outbreaks and fighting the Ebola virus outbreak in west Africa from 2013 to 15
Successes have included the eradication of smallpox in the 1970s and the removal of polio from all the two countries child and maternal mortality have been significantly reduced et cetera
However it has been criticised for its inadequate response to the ebola epidemic
strengths of the ECOSOC
Important global issues have a forum — Bodies under the economic and social council include the world health organisation which coordinates work on public health across the globe the UN development program aims to promote global development with a specific emphasis on the least developed countries
An open forum for discussion at an international level where relations between states can develop and rules can be established
Quietly getting on with the huge task of improving the lives of Millions including the millennium development goals
Focuses on sustainable development
weaknesses of the ECOSOC
Not powerful enough — Lacks the ability to coordinate the various parts of the complex UN system and lacks the power to enforce decisions that power really lies with the IMF and World Bank in economic governance
Unclear and misunderstood role
To decentralised
Underfunded
The organisations that are overseas such as the World Bank the IMF and the WTO are arguably more powerful and influential than the economic and social Council itself rendering it useless
what is the International Court of Justice?
The principal judicial organ of the UN that resolve disputes between member states
Based in the Hague Netherlands
15 judges elected by the General assembly for nine-year times
Deals with sovereignty and border issues And territorial disputes between statesboth relating to land and sea — For example the dispute between Cambodia and Thailand over the sovereignty of the temple of Preah Vihear which was eventually awarded to Cambodia
Judicial arm of the UN debates and prosecute international law violations however countries with significant power can often refuse to comply with the ICJ’s decision
ICJ CASE STUDY: The Temple of Preah Vihear
the Temple of Preah Vihear Is a 900-year-old Hindu temple on the border between Cambodia and Thailand
In 1962 and ICJ ruling awarded sovereignty to Cambodia but this has long been disputed
Fighting erupted between Cambodia and Thailand first 2009 and then much more seriously in 2011 this fighting and mistrust between the two countries is fuelled by nationalism
The ICJ reaffirmed in 2013 that the temple belongs to Cambodia it was ruled that the temple resided in territory that came under the sovereignty of Cambodia
strengths of the ICJ
Upholds the idea of international law and the principle that conflict should be resolved peacefully
Genuine neutrality makes decisions legitimate
Give states an opportunity to back down in conflict without losing face
There is a genuine need for it as there are so many disputes in the world
weaknesses of the ICJ
Both parties must agree to the ICJ having jurisdiction or the ICJ cannot take up a case
Has no enforcement power and no way of enforcing rulings — In 2013 China did not except that the ICJ could decide on whether it’s expansion of Chinese territory in the South China Sea was lawful or not
only 72 of the 193 members of the UN have agreed in advance to be bound by ICJ decisions, and even then the ICJ lacks the coercive power to enforce its will should these members choose to ignore a judgement
what is the Secretariat?
The Secretariat is made up of the secretary general of the UN and the staff members who carry out the day-to-day work of the UN
Are you in civil service or bureaucracy staffed by you and officials from across the world includes branches such as the Department for peacekeeping operations the UN development program 40,000 staff all over the world
The UN Secretary General is appointed by the General assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council and service for a five year term they are the head of the Secretariat and therefore the chief administrator of the UN
The role is flexible and different secretaries interpreted differently but they are seen as the worlds number one diplomat that allegiances to the US and its value is not the nation of origin though they do have to maintain the support of member states with whom they work with
The secretary general is the head of the UN Kofi Annan 1997 to 2006 Ban Ki-moon 2007 2016 Antonio Guterres 2017 to present
The internal administrative workings of the UN they compile records communicate between different councils and I headed by the UN Secretary General
what is the Trusteeship Council?
The trusteeship council Suspended operations in 1994 when the last territory was overseeing Palau gained independence
Had been set up to oversee the administration of trust territories most former League of Nations mandated territories and territories of defeated powers
Its role was to ensure that they were run with the best interests of the inhabitants and international peace and security in mind
All 11 trust territories are now independent self-governing or have joined with neighbouring countries
No longer operational created in the nineteen forties to help developing territories and dependencies become independent Country is suspended in 1994 after helping over 70 countries gain independence
tip for evaluating the UN
Can use general points for the UN and also the different strengths and weaknesses of the individual UN organs
strengths of the UN: UNIQUE GLOBAL ORGANISATION
The UN is a unique global organisation as every state in the world as a member And it is the only IGO That allows any state to join regardless of size or regime type
No state is an excluded which encourages true corporation and enables states to resolve issues peacefully together within the same organisation rather than being shut out due to national differences
this means that the UN and its associated agencies are the forum where the world as a whole can cooperate to find solutions to global problems such as eliminating poverty and diseases
This also allows states to have worldwide communication networks develop common frameworks for dealing with the sea regulating space travel protecting Antarctica and discussing climate change
The UN is often produced in the public mind to the Security Council but this ignores the many elements that enable states corporations and people to interact on a daily basis
The existence of the UN shows the interconnectedness and interdependence is of the modern world
strengths of the UN: EQUALITY
Do you and represents the state of the world as equals irrespective of their power size wealth religion culture or system of government
For example in the general assembly they all have one vote which means that superpowers like the United States have exactly the same say as smaller, developing countries like Nigeria
weaknesses of the UN: HARD TO REACH AGREEMENTS
There are 193 sovereign states with competing national interest outlooks and cultural backgrounds which means they will often disagree making cooperation quite difficult to achieve
weaknesses of the UN: LACK OF ENFORCEMENT POWER
Lack of enforcement power the UN does not take sovereignty away from states so does not have the ability to compel states to act a certain way some argue that this renders the UN week and essentially powerless
However others argue that the UN particularly the UNSC is too strong especially considering that the P5 have the power to veto which allows them to knockdown decisions the USA is therefore dominated by already powerful countries, UNSC decisions are binding on all member states
weaknesses of the UN: INEFFECTIVE
Arguably it does not do enough and lacks effectiveness it is often slow to react to humanitarian disasters and catastrophes
This can be seen in the numerous failings of the UN specifically the USA e.g. Rwanda genocide 1994
However others argue that it does too much undermine state sovereignty by interfering in domestic affairs both of these are valid arguments
weaknesses of the UN: EQUALITY
Treating Allstate equally is unrealistic and illogical as it ignores the size and power as well as the capabilities of different states
It gives unsavoury governments and dictatorships an equal Platform to democracies
Give some countries too much say compare to the status in the international system — for example in the general assembly every country has one vote which means that the superpower like the United States has exactly the same amount of say as a country like Tuvalu Which is a tiny island in the Pacific with a population of only just over 11,000
other weaknesses of the UN
notoriously difficult to reform
the power of the veto in the UNSC
The P5 of the UNSC have a veto over decisions in the council
A decision needs nine votes in total from all members of the P5 and at least four from the non-permanent members of the UNSC
At abstention is not counted as a veto or a vote in favour
in what way can it be argued that the veto actually does represent the realities of world power?
In some respects the veto represents the realities of power politics in the world the USA China and Russia undeniably the three most powerful countries and any attempt to bypass the support to gain international legitimacy would be difficult if not impossible
use of the veto during the Cold War
During the Cold War the UNSC And the UN as a whole were not particularly effective because both the USA and the USSR would veto decisions where there interests were at stake especially on the admission of new states to the UN
Over the course of the Cold War the rivalry between the USA and the USSR resulted in 193 vetoes being used rendering the UNSC ineffective and essentially paralysed
During the Cold War the functioning of the UN was hampered by the ability of the USA and the USSR to use the veto on the Security Council whenever that interest with threatened
the USA’s use of the veto in support of Israel
In the last 10 years the USA has used its veto three times in defence of Israel from criticisms of its actions over Palestine and the occupied territories
Last vetoed a UNSC Resolution in 2011 whereas the UK and France have not used the veto since 1989
Russia’s use of the veto in defence of President Assad
More recently Russia has been condemned for its use of the veto in its defence of President Assad and the Syrian regime
Since 1993 Russia has vetoed seven resolutions concerning Syria
In February 2017 China and Russia vetoed the imposition of sanctions against Syria for their alleged use of chemical weapons this was the seventh time that Russia had used the veto to defend the Syrian government
Russia argued that sanctions would undermine the peace process, although the real reason for their vetoes may be because they have interests in maintaining the current Syrian regime
Russia has used the veto more than any other P5 member most recently as an ally of the Syrian regime Russia has used its veto power 12 times on draft resolutions concerning the Syrian Civil War that includes draft that would have allowed chemical weapons investigations impose sanctions and referred Syria to the International criminal Court
China’s use of the veto
China has used the veto six times in defence of the Syrian regime since 1993
they have defended the use of the veto by arguing that states should not intervene in the affairs of other states
what questions does the use of the veto raise?
The use of veto raises difficult questions about that P5 or anyone who hold such power especially when it comes to humanitarian intervention and civilians suffering
As has been seen in Syria and on other occasions such as in 1994 over the war in Bosnia and in 2015 over the situation in Ukraine Russia has vetoed international condemnation and intervention
In doing so they may have exacerbated or prolonged conflict though they would deny this
UN achievements
1946 first resolution it called for the elimination of nuclear weapons
1950 stepped in with North Korean forces invaded South Korea
1956 intervened in the Suez crisis
1987 Montréal protocol the first global record in relation to the environment and ensure the protection of the ozone layer
Has been ordered for its contributions over history in 1965 UNICEF was awarded the Nobel peace prize
And indispensable organisation serving a valuable purpose over the course of its history
criticisms of the UN
Irrelevant due to inaction on international skirmishes
1994 Rwandan genocide the UN was heavily condemned for failing to step in
George W Bush is Iraq war is also considered by many the result of inaction on the part of the UN
Outlived its relevancy
The greater influence of the P5
UN organs
UN development program UN environment program UN High Commissioner for refugees UN International children’s emergency fund
UN specialised agencies
Food and agriculture organisation UN educational scientific and cultural organisation world health organisation world trade organisation
other key parts of the UN Charter
Chapter 6 sets out the US powers to resolve disputes between nationstates using peaceful means this can include negotiation and peace talks
Chapter 7 sets out the Uwins powers to resolve disputes between nationstates and increasingly nonstate actors using military force of its member states Are UNSC resolution that invokes chapter 7 Will legitimise the use of member state force Chapter 7 also includes article 51 which allows days to use force in self defence article 42 is the clause that specifically allows the military action of peaceful means have not been successful
the League of Nations
Prior to the establishment of the UN the league of Nations was responsible for maintaining world peace but after World War II erupted the league was deemed ineffectual and the idea for the UN was born in 1943
the Yalta Conference
1945 Yalta conference Rooseveldt Churchill and Starling met to discuss the fate of Europe once Germany is defeated and Stalin promises to participate in a new world organisation called the United Nations
The title United Nations was first used by President Franklin Rooseveldt as a description of the Allied forces of World War II
In April 1945 the representatives of 50 countries convened in San Francisco to draft the United Nations Charter called the United Nations conference on international organisation this event was where the charter was signed
The charter was ratified in October 1945 and the UN was officially born
current challenges faced by the UN
Do you ends role has expanded considerably from its initial founding purpose to focus on a number of Specific challenges or threats
Climate change nuclear weapons and proliferation peace and security reducing poverty
current challenges faced by the UN: climate change
Climate change the UN has taken more action to reduce environmental degradation conscious that the global Commons requires collective action to be adequately protected are you in ski task has been to get a majority of member states to agree on the existence and impact of climate change the IP cc helped with this task
Do you and organise his key international summit within the UN framework Convention on climate change the first major environmental summit was the 1992 UN Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro
Subsequently the UN has made painstaking progress to encourage states to take collective action and make international agreements to limit emissions
The Koyoto protocol was a UN treaty that was signed in 1997 and enhanced the UN FCC see subsequent major summits have been held annually including the Copenhagen Summit 2009 and the Paris summit 2015
current challenges faced by the UN: nuclear weapons and proliferation
The UN has also developed a leading role in limiting the spread or proliferation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction
the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons was first opened for willing states to sign in 1968
the UN provided a vital forum for states to decide on codify and sign the treaty
Although for UN member states have not signed the treaty and it is not a requirement of UN membership to sign it
The general assembly has a dedicated disarmament commission and within the UN Secretariat the UN office for disarmament affairs takes a lead
current challenges faced by the UN: peace and security
UN peacekeeping activities have expanded hugely in scope and number during the organisations lifetime the Security Council became more active on matters of peace and security after the cold war ended in 1991 before this gridlock between the USA and the Soviet union made a decision making in the Security Council difficult
The 1990s saw the biggest increase in you and approach military intervention especially in Somalia 9092 Rwanda 9094 and Bosnia 9095
current challenges faced by the UN: reducing poverty
The UN has also expanded its role in reducing global poverty the millennium development goals agreed at the US millennium Summit in 2000 represented a huge increase in focus and scope of the organisations development efforts for you and continue this focus by reshaping the MDG into the sustainable development goals when the MDG is reached their agreed endpoint in 2015
how has the UN’s role changed since the Cold War?
The U.N.’s role during the Cold War was restricted and focused on classical peacekeeping involving placing are you in force between states after a ceasefire
Since the end of the Cold War the role of the UN has changed in order to tackle new threats to global security such as
Civil War and the collapse of order within the states UN missions involve implementing complex peace agreement stabilising security reorganising the police and military and building to democratic institutions within the states e.g. in Sierra Leone between 1999 and 2005
Political and economic and social conditions within states including poverty inequality humanitarian emergencies and violations of human rights e.g. Yemen South Sudan Somalia and North East Nigeria
Non-state-based threats such as the rise of terrorism and the proliferation of arms and weapons of mass destruction e.g. the UN office of counterterrorism works at preventing terrorists from acquiring weapons
Contemporary global issues such as environmental degradation and nuclear proliferation e.g. in Sudan and the Asia-Pacific region
quote about the UN being corrupt (Time, 2016)
The UN has been called a corruption plagued bureaucratic labyrinth and organisation led by five powerful countries interested mainly in sorting out one another’s plans and administered by functionaries obsessed with protocol and lacking in common sense
UNSC RESOLUTIONS: 242 (Israel)
1967 UNSC resolution 242
The Security Council called on Israel to withdraw from territory that occupied in the six-day war including the Gaza Strip Golan Heights and the west bank Israel has not complied with this resolution and has occupied the territory since 1967
UNSC RESOLUTIONS: 1441 (Saddam Hussein)
2002 UNSC Resolution 1441
Unanimously gives Iraq and its leader Saddam Hussein a final opportunity with its disarmament obligations stating that the country was in material breach of previous ceasefire resolutions
It warned of serious consequences in the event of future violations
The UK and US government claimed that this authorised the 2003 Invasion of Iraq many experts in international law including the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan disagreed
UNSC RESOLUTIONS: 1970 (Libya)
2005 UNSC Resolution 1970
Referred Libya to the ICC for investigation the first time it had unanimously agreed to use its powers to refer countries that have not signed the Rome Statute to the ICC
UNSC RESOLUTIONS: 1973 (Libya)
2011 UNSC Resolution 1973
Demands a ceasefire in Libya and agrees or necessary means short of four and occupation for the protection of civilians it also establishes a no-fly zone China and Russia abstain NATO then begins on a campaign that includes bombing key Libyan government targets
UNSC RESOLUTIONS: 2118 (Syria)
2013 UNSC Resolution 2118
Requires Syria to disarm itself of chemical weapons establishing a process successfully overseen by the organisation for the prohibition of chemical weapons
who vetoed the most in the UNSC?
Number of UNSC resolutions vetoed by the P5 between 1946 and 2017
USSR/Russian Federation107
USA 7 9UK 29 France 16 China 11
problems with the veto
DeVito powers of the P5 have made it very hard for the council to take action to deal with threats of aggression or threats the peace as it becomes the mechanism through which the rivalries of the major powers are played out
During the Cold War 1947 to 91 the rivalry between the USA and USSR saw 193 vetoes used
In the Syrian conflict the USAUK and France are generally aligned in support of the rebels while Russia and China are aligned with Assad and the government this has made UNSC action impossible in terms of condemning violence against millions in Syria economic sanctions or military intervention
Permanent members are too powerful and are able to veto anything that threatens the national interest and prevent action from being taken the Security Council has been powerless to act meaningfully in Syria for example — Arguably the veto prevents the Security Council from getting anything done
Powerful permanent members can miss behave and veto at any action against them for example Russia’s actions in Crimea in 2014
The Security Council is powerless to stop powerful countries from acting unilaterally to pursue their interests for example the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003
The UN is dominated by great power politics some US members are clearly more equal and privileged than others the requirement of unanimity amongst P5 members has also affectively neutered the UN as the basis for collective security
is the use of the veto declining?
However the use of the veto is declining during the Cold War 193 m were used but only 12 were use between 1990 and 2003
solution to the veto
A solution to the issues arising from the use of the veto might be to ensure only a double veto veto by two of the P5 can block a resolution
However this would not have changed anything in the case of Syria as both Russia and China vetoed action
the veto: counter argument (the veto does not prevent the UNSC from getting anything done)
The Security Council still achieves a lot passing many resolutions successfully especially since the use of the veto has declined dramatically since the Cold War
And it’s chapter 6 powers it can settle disputes peacefully and has authorised 69 peacekeeping missions around the world since 1948
Under chapter 7 powers it has authorised military action most recently in Libya in 2011 and has imposed successful sanctions on regimes posing a risk to international security
Allowing powerful states to have a veto has meant that major powers have stayed within the UN system and the Security Council remains relevant without it there is a risk that powerful public members would leave the UN as happened with the league of Nations
membership of the UN: historically outdated
The membership of the P5 is widely seen to be historically outdated reflecting the great powers of the immediate post 1945 period not even the super power politics of the Cold War period
few would challenge the rights of the USA China or Russia to be among the P5 but France and the UK have long ceased to be members of first ranking status and are no longer the most powerful states in the world
Cases have been made for the inclusion of Japan and Germany instead of France in the UK due to their economic strength
More recently some have argued for emerging powers such as India Brazil Nigeria Egypt and South Africa to gain permanent membership
membership of the UN: regional imbalance
The existing membership reflects a region with balance with no representation for Africa or for Latin America among its permanent members
It is argued that a more representative and up-to-date council would enjoy wider support and influence helping to make the UN a more affective peacekeeper and peacemaker
why is reform of the UNSC difficult?
However the idea of performing the Security Council is on likely with the veto being the major obstacle standing in the way of reform
Vito status could not be removed or amended without the Unanimous agreement of the P5 states and it is unlikely that any of them would voluntarily abandon their privileged position in the most powerful body of the UN
The enlargement or changing membership of the P5 it’s difficult to bring about it is highly likely to be opposed and blocked by existing P5 states especially the most vulnerable ones France and the UK
There is significant resistance outside the P5 to the candidacy of particular would be members for example many European states oppose the inclusion of Germany South Africa opposes the inclusion of Nigeria and vice versa Argentina opposes the inclusion of Brazil and so on
Moreover the existence of permanent veto power is possibly a vital way of ensuring that the UN retains the support of the worlds leading states
A revised membership may require the introduction of regular membership reviews as the distribution of global power is always changing
how powerful is the Secretary General?
In reality the Secretary General’s powers are limited but the role usually carries considerable persuasive or soft power enhanced through being seen as neutral and defending the US founding values
Kofi Anna was awarded the Nobel peace prize for the UN leadership
However public statements from the secretary general are sometimes ignored particularly if the Security Council does not back those statements significant power in the UN resides in the decisions of the Security Council and the consent of the general assembly
Some secretary generals have used the role to set a decisive agenda for the UN for example Kofi Anna let the millennium summit which culminated in the agreement of the millennium development goals the same report also adopted the suggestion of a doctrine known as the responsibility to protect which recognised the need to legitimise external intervention when states abuse human rights
Previously secretary general dog Hammarskjold was the driving force in creating the UN peacekeeping forces famous for their blue helmets
What does the Secretary general is Power depend on
The Secretary general is Power depends on the prevailing geopolitics of the time
During the Cold War Secretary General’s found it difficult to project a distinctive agenda during the bipolar stand-off between the Soviet union and the USA
After the 911 terror attacks Kofi Anna attempted in vain to persuade the USA motivated to protect its perception of its natural national interest to pursue its interest through the UN rather than acting unilaterally the USA ignored this and went ahead with the invasion in 2003 without a specific Security Council resolution Kofi another declared the military action illegal and contrary to the UN charter
Differences between the general assembly and Security Council
The key difference is in membership and voting structure
1) The assembly includes all 193 nations in the UN while the UNSC only has 15 members
2) In the assembly each nation has one vote of equal value and a 2/3 majority is needed to make decisions but in the Security Council the P5 each have a veto and can block any decision resolutions in the Security Council need at least nine members to agree and five of these members must be the P5 the Security Council therefore challenges the idea of the quality between states as the P5 a privileged and far more powerful but the general assembly enshrines this equality by giving each member one vote
3) Decisions by the Security Council are binding while decisions by the general assembly only recommendations they differ in power and influence
How to evaluate the effectiveness of the UN
Consider how effective it is in resolving conflict reducing poverty safeguarding environment and upholding human rights
influence of BIPOLARITY on the UN’s effectiveness
The effectiveness of the UN is largely determined by the balance of power and power distribution across the world
1945 to 89 bipolarity to major powers opposed to each other USA and USSR
It was difficult even impossible for the UN to act if permanent security council member states or at war disagreeing with each other in the circumstances the use of the veto becomes so frequent or likely that many issues are simply dealt with outside the UN system
Influence of unipolarity on the UN is effectiveness
1989 to 2001 unipolarity a single hegemon the USA
There is the potential for the UN to be very active on the issues that the single major power favours less powerful states may Be disinclined to use the veto power as they do not want to question the hegemony of the USA
However when the USA was the sole hegemon in a unipolar world It was adept at ignoring the UN as illustrated by the invasion of Iraq in 2003 without direct UN authorisation
Influence of multipolarity on the UN is effectiveness
2001 to present multipolarity many world powers competing with each other
Arguably this is the current balance of power in global politics with a resurgent Russia increasingly challenging Western Power and the emergence of powerful nonstate actor threats such as Al Qaeda on the so-called Islamic State Security Council agreement has once again been difficult on major shoes with both China and Russia increasingly Wielding the veto power
The rise of a multipolar world has pose problems for the UN since an increasingly Self-confident China and Russia have been on prepared to work with France the UK and the US well the principle of collective security was dramatically undermined by the member of the Security Council Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine
Andrew Heywood quote on the UN being restricted
The capacity of the UN to enforce a system of collective security is severely limited by the fact that it is essentially a creature of its members it can do no more than its member states and particularly the permanent members of the Security Council permit
what is global governance?
A system of global and regional institutions that have developed to tackle collective problems and realise common aims
At the centre is the UN as well as other bodies such as the World Bank IMF and WTO
The collective effort by sovereign states international organisations and nonstate actors to tackle common challenges such as poverty and achieve common aims such as peace
A system of global and regional institutions have developed to carry out global governance
what is peacekeeping? how is the UN involved?
Peacekeeping involves UN forces intervening within a state to hold together piece after has been plunged into violence and disorder
In 2018, 113,000 UN troops were involved in 16 UN peacekeeping missions including in Lebanon Kosovo Sudan the DRC and Timor
What is a problem with UN peacekeeping
The distinction between peacekeeping and peacemaking is often blurred so the UN has often become involved in still violent conflicts within states without being prepared to take sides
This has made it difficult for the UN to be successful because it has not always had robust enough rules of engagement to be able to take military action therefore it can become a spectator on atrocities without being prepared to directly intervene
Peacekeepers have often been deployed with in adequate training and insufficient mandate to take action
The lack of a UN standing army which can be quickly deployed on the orders of the Secretary general also remains a key reason why the UN is not able to do more to encourage global peace and security
UN blue helmets will increasingly need to be prepared to be Peace builders in still violent conflicts
why has peacekeeping become more complex and difficult?
Peacekeeping has become more complex and difficult due to the changing nature of violent conflict interstate war has become less frequent and Civil War has become much more common more conflicts have been become in tangled with ethnic and cultural rivalries and divisions
what factors are required for success in peacekeeping operations?
Genuine commitment to political process from all parties in working towards peace and there must be a piece to keep
Clear Credible and achievable mandates with matching personnel logistical and financial resources
Unity within the Security Council
Host country commitment to unhindered you and operations and freedom of movement and supportive engagement from neighbouring countries and regional actors
And integrated approach effective coordination with other actors on the ground and good communication with host country authorities and population
The upmost sensitivity towards the local population and upholding the highest standards of professionalism and good conduct peacekeepers must avoid becoming part of the problem
has the UN been effective in reducing poverty? YES
The MDG is have been a highly effective coordinated international effort to tackle poverty with considerable successes
A total of 1 billion people have been lifted out of extreme poverty the number of people living on less than $1.25 a day has decreased from 1.9 billion in 1990 to 836 million — these were key targets of the MDGs
has the UN been effective in reducing poverty? NO
Other factors such as the rapid growth of China have been responsible for some of the seemingly impressive MDG figures not the UN
Poverty in sub-Saharan Africa continues to lag behind other regions and global inequality has continued to rise
the UN’s founding objective linking to poverty
the UN was also founded with the specific objective of reducing poverty and promoting economic development among all its member states
The preamble to the UN charter states that the UN will promote social progress and better standards of life
Millennium Report
In 2000 UN Secretary General Kofi Anna published the millennium report attempting to refocus the UN for the challenges of the new century he noted that the UN needed to confront the central challenge that we face today insuring that globalisation becomes a positive force for all the worlds people Instead of leaving billions of them behind in squalor
His proposal later endorsed by the general assembly was to focus the efforts of the UN on eight specific development teams and targets these targets were called millennium development goals they would be Time bound measured annually and delivered within a 15 year target
The MDG is powerful because it was the first time human development objectives have been internationally agreed a total of 189 member states and 23 international organisations committed to the goals reflecting a huge international consensus
They created the potential for the UN member states and NGOs to coordinate their development efforts on MDT priorities previously there had been no international coordination of this kind for the next 15 years many global and national aid budgets were aligned with MDT priorities
the 8 MDGs
Eradicate extreme hunger and poverty achieve universal primary education promote gender equality and empower women reduce child mortality is improve maternal health combat HIVAIDS malaria and other diseases ensure environmental sustainability develop a global partnership for development
positive impact of the MDGs
Within the first five years of the MDGs Foreign aid budget is doubled from $6 billion-$12 billion the MDG is well clear and measurable and the UN development program lead rigourous monitoring and reporting of global regional and national progress
By 2015 the UN called the MDG is the most successful antipoverty movement in history indeed there were some clear success is to report
The successes were particularly obvious when seen as part of the overall global picture the number of people living on less than $1.25 per day had been reduced from 1.9 billion in 1990 to 836 Million in 2015
The global number of child deaths under the age of five had fallen from 12.7 million to 6 million
New HIV infections had fallen from 3.5 million to 2.1 million With 13 Million people receiving anti-retro viral treatment in 2015 compared with just 0.8 million in 2000
The number of people with access to clean drinking water doubled between 1990 and 2015
ineffectiveness / weaknesses of the MDGs
However when looking at specific regions countries and genders the MDG’s success was varied and can be argued to be ineffectual
Sub-Saharan Africa had not met the MDG for extreme poverty reduction as it is still 12.5% behind the MDG target
By contrast economic growth in China distorted the overall global figures where it had contributed to reduction in extreme poverty in eastern Asia from 61% in 1990 to 4% in 2015 the UN conceded that China and India played a central role in the global reduction of poverty
Do you and found that in 2015 women were still more likely than men to live in poverty globally in the same year women under 24% less than men
SDGs
The MDG is have now been followed by sustainable development goals which the general assembly agreed in 2015
Sustainable development is frequently defined as development the balances the needs of today with those of tomorrow ensuring that future generations and resources are not put at risk
The SDG is therefore having increased focus on protecting the environment and reducing climate change the number of targets has also been increased considerably from just eight MDG targets to 169 SDGs — wider, continued focus, the UN is committed to reducing poverty and helping the environment
All of the MDGs For example poverty reduction gender equality and clean drinking water have a corresponding STG to ensure that progress on these issues continues, suggesting that the UN is very effective in tackling poverty
SDGs in the long term
In general the UN is long-term efforts aimed at reducing poverty have been more Successful that efforts to maintain peace and security
This perhaps reflects the fact that the UN member states have been more united in their desire and approach to tackling development
The U.N.’s development work has been backed up by a large aid budget the UNDP alone has a budget of $5 billion and many other UN agencies such as the WFP the WHO and UNICEF
the UN and delivering humanitarian aid
The UN has at times been less successful in delivering emergency aid or humanitarian relief this has not always been the UN’s fault
Providing humanitarian aid in conflict zones is not straightforward and is often for example in Syria restricted by heavy fighting are blocked by armed groups
Some criticised the UN’s emergency assistance to Haiti in response to the 2010 earthquake for being too slow and failing to adequately target relief efforts this demonstrates that at times emergency relief can be hampered by similar logistical and political challenges as peacekeeping operations
problems with the UN Secretariat: the Secretary General is selected by the UNSC
The Security Council select the secretary general and will not want to select one who is going to be too proactive
For example Boutros Ghali Only served one tub as UN Secretary General as the US viewed him as being too proactive and wanted him replaced with the more pliable Kofi Anna
Ban Ki-moon According to one US official only achieved the top job at the UN because he is pretty faceless and does not have much charisma
As a result of this means of selection UN Secretary General is often unprepared to put sufficient pressure on the Security Council to take appropriate military action during crises
as Michael Ignatieff Has put it the Secretary general is unfortunately ”more of a secretary that a general”
If the Secretary general election was more dependent upon all the members of the general assembly this will provide the role with significantly greater legitimacy and the positions coercive authority and influence could be increased providing the Secretary general with the opportunity to take great initiative in matters of war and peace rather than having to be sidelined
Currently selection by the Security Council insures that the appointment has to be acceptable to the very different interests of Russia China and the US which tends to mean that Secretary general candidates are compromising and lacked sufficient assertiveness “offering a vision of the future best compared to elevator music” (Time, 2016)
problems with the UN: underfunded
The UN is chronically underfunded peacekeeping annually costs $8.27 billion and although this is just 0.5% of global military spending UN peacekeeping is still chronically underfunded
The financial burden is also entirely unfair with the US paying 28% of the costs of peacekeeping Japan 11% China 7% and Russia only 3%
It is no wonder therefore that the UN so often lacks the funds to act with the sort of immediacy that it should
Even worse UN aid agencies are funded by contributions from member states and private donors both the world food program and the UN High Commissioner for refugees are currently having to cut back what they do because they have not got the financial resources to cope with the massive and growing burden being put upon them
The majority of the US humanitarian work is funded entirely by voluntary donations from individual governments and private donors with agencies such as UNICEF receiving Nowhere near enough to fund their objectives the current cost of global humanitarian funding is just under $20 billion but only $7 billion has so far been provided
conflict between Article 1 and 2 of the UN Charter
The unresolved issue at the heart of the UN is whether it’s duty is primarily to protecting the sovereignty of states or safeguarding human rights of individuals within those states
The contradiction is between article 1 of the UN charter which asserts an obligation on behalf of all members to achieve international cooperation in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all and article 2 which states that the organisation is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its members… nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorise the UN to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state
why is the UN so hard to reform?
It is difficult to reform the Security Council because the permanent five have a little incentive to relinquish the veto wielding power to others
The Security Council is also likely to give the secretary general greater Legitimacy or more coercive power because it could be seen as giving the Secretary general to much independent power and taking away the Security Council’s ability to decide on matters of peace and war
Member states still recovering from the global financial crisis are also unlikely to want to contribute more to the United Nations than they already are
The UN is an intergovernmental organisation and for it to become more assertive and supranational the member states will have to voluntarily give up more power but in a world in which states act out of realist self interest and are often power maximises that would involve a voluntary loss of sovereignty which is unlikely to occur
ICJ: Israel
The ICJ has made rulings on contentious cases and carries out an important role in arbitrating between states that are in dispute with each other
For example in 2004 it ruled that the security fence is rail constructed around the Palestinian West Bank in territory that a Security Council resolution continues to call for Israel to withdraw from was illegal under international law
However is well chose to ignore this rolling and continue to build a barrier stating that it was vital to its internal security
In theory ICJ rulings are binding on UN member states if they do not comply the UN charter allows for the matter to be referred to the Security Council for in Forssmann however such action is entirely dependent on the Security Council issuing a resolution for six states to comply which may be unlikely if one of the P5 uses the veto
