United Nations

1. United Nations

2. Background • President Wilson’s 14 Point speech was the inspiration for the League of Nations following WWI—to protect the independence & sovereignty of great and small states alike; to prevent another world war. • It had several weaknesses, and following WWII (1945), the UN was formed by 51 nations. Today 191 are members—every state in the world with the exception of the Vatican.

3. Organization • General Assembly—rep. from each state • Security Council—15 members (5 permanent—US, UK, FR, RU, CH / 10 elected for 2 year terms) • Secretariat—Secretary General & Administration • Economic & Social Council—Development Goals and Plans & Humanitarian Relief • Specialized Agencies—Implementing the above plans • International Court of Justice—oversee treaty disputes between parties to such treaty agreements and offer resolutions • Trusteeship Council—to oversee the process of self-determination and decolonization • International Criminal Court—to try the perpetrators of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression by or in the territories of state parties to the treaty or upon referral of a situation by the Security Council

4. Purpose • Maintain international peace • Develop friendly relations among nations • Cooperate to solve international problems • Promote a respect for human rights • Be a center-point for coordinating and harmonizing the actions of nations throughout the world.

5. Missions • Peace & Security—monitor cease-fire agreements, assist in demobilization & disarmament, demining, patrolling buffer zones, supervising elections, training civilian police, investigations, protecting aid workers • Human Rights—advising national leaders, investigating abuses, monitoring implementation of treaties, supporting educational efforts, training security forces, promoting the UDHR • Economic & Social Development—long-term solutions to economic, social, education, political, health, communications, transportation problems of underdevelopment • Humanitarian Affairs—short-term, more immediate relief and aid following or during natural disasters or wars, refugee relocation, health care, food and water, shelter, clean-up efforts • International Law—codification and publishing of international treaties, laws of the sea, and trade laws; operation of the ICJ & ICC

6. Problems & Limitations • Confederate Organization • Cannot enforce its decisions or rulings without the voluntary cooperation of member-states. • Limited Military Power • No standing army • States are not obligated to contribute troops.

7. Problems & Limitations • Limited Military Power (continued) • Peacekeepers’ role—observers, watchdogs, to keep conflicting parties apart, patrol buffer zones, show a world presence and pressure • PK can only engage weapons in self-defense. • Enforcement Actions are not under UN control.

8. Problems & Limitations • Lack of cooperation among states • Eg., conflicts among security council (absolute veto power of Perm. Members) • Financial Crisis • UN budget is based on dues—proportional (ability of member to pay)—higher GDP/higher the dues • Many members are not paying their dues on time or in full.

10. US-UN Relations

11. Negative Attitudes in US of UN • The U.S. is the most delinquent member in paying its dues. In 2001, $3 billion was owed the UN in unpaid dues; $1.9 billion was debt from the US. • What are some complaints that many Americans have of the U.N.?

12. Complaints about the UN • Isolationism (Why don’t we mind our own business and stay out of world affairs? Why don’t we stick to the problems in our own country? Example—Switzerland) • Threatened Sovereignty (Why are we threatening the independence of the US by allowing a bunch of foreign governments to tell us what to do?)

13. Complaints about the UN • Proportional Dues (Why should the US have to pay more than other member states? The US has to pay too much; the burden should be shared equally.) • Each state has equal voting power (Why should a tiny state like Djibouti have the same amount of power as the US? Should be based on population, power, or wealth.)

14. Complaints about the UN • Why is the US the “world’s policemen”? (Why does the US have to do everything? If the US pulled out, the UN would fall apart. No other countries sent their troops.) • While complaints 1-4 are a matter of opinion, #5 is FALSE (ignorance of facts)

15. Bangladesh Pakistan Nigeria India Jordan Ghana Kenya Australia Ukraine Portugal (As of August 31, 2001) US is ranked 17th (sending 747 vs. 6131 for Bangladesh) For 2000 monthly averages (US is not even in the top 20) Top Contributors of Military Troops, Police, & Observers to the UN

16. US Contribution to UN Peacekeeping Operations • Figures as of 31 August 2001 • Includes military, police, and observer personnel • 88 countries • US sent 747 out of 47,151 total

17. Is the UN worthwhile? Should we support it? Are its goals and missions good? Should we pay our dues so it has enough funds to succeed? Should we try to fix its problems? Is the UN a bad idea? Does it interfere with countries? Are there too many problems? Is it ineffective? Are its goals and missions impossible? Pros & Cons

18. Essay—UN Reform Do you feel that countries (including the US) have given too much power to the UN to interfere in the affairs of sovereign states, or should more power be given to the UN to successfully carry out its peacekeeping operations and enforce international treaties about human rights, trade, pollution, the environment, etc.?

19. Essay Guidelines Paragraphs: • Take a clear stand/position when answering the question; • Use statistical data to support your argument (from your Internet research or the PowerPoint); • Use social studies knowledge to support your argument (organization, politics, controversies of the UN, etc.); • Define and use a core democratic value; • Explain the other viewpoint on this question, and then conclude by arguing against it—what would the other side argue, and why are they wrong? Five Paragraphs (minimum of three sentences each)