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In-Depth Notes on Supranational Organizations and the United Nations

Introduction to Supranational Organizations

  • Supranational organizations are entities formed to facilitate global cooperation in a globalized world.

  • Globalization has led to the reduction of barriers in economies, communication, travel, and culture, necessitating these organizations.

The United Nations (UN)

  • Creation: The UN was established after World War II to promote international dialogue and solve conflicts peacefully. 193 of 195 states were in it . Vatican City was not in it because the pope does not want the Vatican tied up in international politics and according to catholic doctrine the pope is infallible. Palestine have applied for membership on multiple occasions they haven’t been accepted.

  • Context: It was meant to address the shortcomings of the League of Nations, which failed due to lack of enforcement authority.

  • Goals:

    • Prevent conflicts and promote policies among member nations.

    • Address humanitarian and social welfare issues.

Key Bodies of the UN
General Assembly

  • The main deliberative body of the UN where all member nations can discuss and negotiate global issues.

  • UNICEF: Created in 1946 as the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, it aims to provide welfare services to children globally, including:

    • Immunization programs

    • Educational initiatives

    • Emergency relief for children and mothers during disasters

  • Decolonization Impact: Many new states joined the UN post-decolonization, expanding the General Assembly's role as a forum for discussing challenges faced by these states.

Security Council

  • Responsible for maintaining global peace and security.

  • Composition: 5 permanent members (US, China, France, Russia, United Kingdom) and 10 rotating members from other nations.

  • Veto Power: Each permanent member has veto authority over decisions, complicating consensus and action.

    • Example: During the Cold War and recent events, like Russia's invasion of Ukraine. - Russia was a permanent member - they vetoed it.

    • The permanent members sometimes use their veto powers to protect their own interest at the expense of global interests

    • jewish state of Palestine was supported by United States and United Kingdom and when Palestine applies for membership permanent members of United Kingdom and United States can veto it

Controversies and Challenges

  • The veto power can hinder UN interventions in international disputes, as evidenced by:

    • The inability of the UN to stop wars during the Cold War.

    • The veto of resolutions condemning actions like Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

  • Palestine’s Membership: The political dynamics surrounding Palestine's application for UN membership highlights the contentious use of veto power.

Peacekeeping Efforts

  • Authority: The Security Council can deploy military peacekeepers and impose economic sanctions against nations threatening peace.

    • Success: Example: Successful negotiation of a ceasefire in Liberia (2003).

    • Failure: Example: In Rwanda (1994), despite UN presence, inadequacy in response led to a massive genocide with an estimated 1,000,000 deaths.

Conclusion

  • The UN is both a product of globalization and a catalyst for further global cooperation.

  • Understanding the complexities of supranational organizations like the UN is crucial for grasping global dynamics in the contemporary world.