CASE 17

The United Nations: Conflict and Negotiation In the Global Community

The United Nations (UN), (1) like its precursor the League of Nations, was established after a devastating World War in order to promote cooperation, peace, and security among countries. UN members are sovereign nations — the organization is not a world government and does not make laws. On October 24, 1945 the UN officially came into existence with 51 member countries. Now with over 190 members, most countries in the world are active in the UN.  

Members accept the obligations of the UN Charter, an international treaty that sets out basic principles of international relations. It is an organization that truly embraces the concepts of diversity, cooperation, and conflict resolution and prevention. However, the UN does much more than resolve conflict. Looking at the major headings on its home page, you find in addition to peace and security, emphases on economic and social development, human rights, humanitarian affairs, and international law.

A World Order, How Does It Work?

The United Nations is made up of six main branches:

  • The General Assembly — this body considers pressing international problems and each member has one vote. Key decisions require a two-thirds majority, for others a simple majority is sufficient. In recent years, in an effort to promote harmony there has been a striving for consensus.
  • The Security Council — the 15member council has primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. Five of the member countries (China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America) are permanent members; the other ten are elected for two-year terms. Under the UN charter, UN members are obligated to follow the Security Council’s directives. Decisions require nine “yes” votes and any permanent member can veto a decision. The Security Council tries to exhaust all possibilities for resolution prior to authorizing the use of force. The possibilities short of force include negotiation, mediation, reference to the International Court of Justice, and economic pressure.
  • The Economic and Social Council — the 54member council coordinates the economic and social work of the UN system. Members are elected for three-year terms.
  • The Trusteeship Council  the council was formed to administer 11 trust territories. When the final territory became self-governing in 1994, the rules of procedure were changed. The current council is composed of the five permanent members of the Security Council and meets only if needed.
  •  The International Court of Justice — often called the World Court, this body is responsible for deciding disputes between countries when the countries agree to participate. The 15 judges, elected jointly by the General Assembly and Security Council, make decisions that those appearing before them are obligated to accept. It is based in The Hague and is the only UN body not headquartered in New York.
  • The Secretariat — the Secretariat, the staff of the UN headed by the elected Secretary-General, handles the administrative work of the United Nations.

In addition, there are 14 other independent organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Health Organization that are linked to the UN through cooperative agreements. These organizations, along with the UN’s six branches, subunits, programs, and funds, form the UN system. The UN system promotes human rights, protects the environment, fights disease, fosters economic development, and reduces poverty, in addition to preserving world peace and security.

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The UN offers the most opportunity in its ability to influence international public opinion. World conflicts are discussed on a world stage with a world audience. However, that does not guarantee that conflict can be prevented or that peacekeeping is a simple exercise.

In fact, one of its most inclusive experiences to date involved engaging in conflict. The UN served as a focal point in arranging a coalition of nations to counter Iraq’s invasion and occupation of Kuwait in the early 1990s. Thirty-four nations, under the auspices of the Security Council, provided the military forces necessary for  “Operation Desert Storm” and ...

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