The United Nations

The United Nations

The post-WWII international organization that sought to resolve national disputes;

Security Council

One of the main organizations within the UN responsible for maintaining peace and safety; composed of 5 permanent, who wield an absolute veto, and 10 rotating members with two year terms elected by the General Assembly

General Assembly

This body is the only UN body which all member states are represented. It was designed to be a democratic and deliberative body dealing chiefly with general questions of a political, social, or economic character. Each member state has one vote.

What is one major flaw of the Security Council

The five permanent members have an absolute veto. These nations are the world's superpowers and often act in their own national interest to the detriment of the rest of the world.

Major criticisms of the United Nations

1. Veto powers of the five permanent members of the Security Council undermine the democratic/international nature of the United Nations.
2. Member nations often ignore UN suggestions in favour of their own national interest. Example: USA invading Iraq after the UN decided against the invasion.
3. Member nations fail to pay their membership dues which puts a strain on the UN ability to achieve its goals.
4. It is often suggested that the UN is run by the United States.

The Four main goals of the United Nations

1. To maintain international peace and security through collective security measures
2. To develop friendly relations among nations ...
3. To achieve international cooperation in solving international problems
4. To promote human rights

What is the FAO and what is its goals?

It is the Food and Agriculture Organization and its mandate/goals is to raise levels of nutrition, improve agricultural productivity, better the lives of rural populations and contribute to the growth of the world economy.

What is the ILO and what is its goals

It is the International Labour Organization, which seeks the promotion of social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights.

World Health Organization (WHO)

It seeks to provide leadership in health issues, monitor diseases, assess the strengths of health care systems and educate.

Internationalism

A policy of mutual cooperation and involvement among nations.

National Interest

A country determining its involvement in international affairs based on the outcome or benefits it receives.

Veto

A vote that blocks any decision.

Peacekeeping

The preservation of peace, especially as a military mission in which troops attempt to keep formerly warring armed forces from starting to fight again.

Humanitarianism

A commitment to improving the lives of other people

How does the UN get its funding to caring out its responsibilities?

1. Mandatory fees, which are based on the strengths of a country's economy.
2. Voluntary donations

In what year was the United Nations formed?

1945

Where are five areas in which UN peacekeepers are presently deployed?

Haiti
Southern Sudan
Lebanon
Cyprus
The Middle East

Peace Making

Allows UN soldiers to fight against the aggressor side that has been deemed by the UN as the party at fault

Resolution

A firm decision to do or not to do something

UN Mandate

An official order or commission to carry out a course of action.

Economic and Social Council

The component of the UN that deals with human rights and humanitarian goals.

Diplomacy

Is the means by which nations conduct their affairs, in ways to safeguard their interests while maintaining peaceful relationships.

Foreign Policy

A government's strategy in dealing with other nations

International Court of Justice

An court established to settle legal international disputes between countries.