PowerPoint Presentation

The United Nations and Collective Security System.

What is the United Nations? The UN is the largest and multilateral international organization composed of 193 member-states. It ‘s principal function is to maintain international peace and security. Among the important areas of UN involvement are economic and social development, human rights, international law, and global health. The most visible international organization Together with its subsidiary organs and other offices have been awarded 9 times the Nobel Peace Prize Headquarters in New York with offices in Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna and the Hague Established through the Charter of the UN (June 26, 1945). Officially came into existence on October 24, 1945 Employs about 37,000 English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, and Russian.

Why is the United Nations created? * to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and * to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and * to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.

Brief historical background League of Nations was established after the end of World War I (Treaty of Versailles) 1920-1946 The first collective security organization established to promote international peace and security 46 member states Assembly The League Council (15 members) Pres. Woodrow Wilson (US) failed to make the US a member of the League Failure of the League of Nations: Every member had a veto power (unanimity) Japan attacked China (Manchuria) in 1933 Mussolini invaded Ethiopia in 1935 Soviet Union attacked Finland in 1939 (only member expelled) Absence of major powers No military force.

Key events in the creation of the UN Atlantic Charter (1941) Declaration by the United Nations (1942) 26 countries Moscow Declaration (1943) Big 4 Tehran Conference (1943) Big 3 Dumbarton Oaks Conference (1944) Big 4 Yalta Conference (1945) Big 3 (voting system at UN) San Francisco Conference (1945).

Membership - Members of the UN are classified as: original (founding ) members and regular members Membership to the UN is: “is open to all other peace-loving states which accept the obligations contained in the present Charter and, in the judgment of the Organization, are able and willing to carry out these obligations.” (Article 4). - Membership is through the approval of the General Assembly through the recommendation of the Security Council A member in which the Security Council has placed under preventive action or enforcement may be suspended by the SC. A member violating the principles laid down by the UN Charter may be expelled from the UN by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the SC..

Purposes of the United Nations To maintain international peace and security. To develop friendly relations among nations based on the principle of equal rights and self-determination. To achieve cooperation in solving international problems (economic, social, cultural, humanitarian, and human rights. To be the center for harmonizing the actions of nations..

Principles of the UN Sovereign equality of all members. Members’ fulfillment of obligations to ensure all the rights and benefits of membership. Settlement of disputes by peaceful means. Refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any state. Giving assistance to the UN in any action it takes and refrain from giving assistance to any state which the UN is taking preventive or enforcement action. Non-interference in the domestic jurisdiction of any state..

Importance of the United Nations in global relations.

1. Peace and security Maintaining peace and security, peace building, preventing nuclear proliferation, combatting terrorism, preventing genocide 2. Economic development Promoting development, alleviating poverty, supporting industry, fighting hunger, global trade and economic reform, shipping and aviation, human settlements, global telecommunications 3. Social development Improving literacy and education, preserving historic, cultural, architectural, and natural sites.

4. Human rights Promoting human rights, fostering democracy, promoting women and children’s rights, combatting violence against women, safeguarding workers rights, press freedom and freedom of expression, promoting rights of persons with disabilities and indigenous peoples 5. Environment Protecting the environment, finding solutions to climate change, banning toxic chemicals.

6. International Law Strengthening international law, prosecuting war criminals, resolve major international disputes, promoting stability and order in the world’s oceans, combatting international crimes and drug trafficking 7. Humanitarian Assisting refugees, helping victims of disasters, providing food, 8. Health Promoting reproductive and maternal health, responding to HIV/AIDS, fighting diseases and pandemics, reducing child mortality.

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Budget The annual budget of the UN for 2022 is $3.12B.

COUNTRY % AMOUNT 1. US 22 $698.73M 2. China 12.005 381.28M 3. Japan 8.56 271.9M 4. Germany 6.09 193.42 5. UK 4.56 145M 6. France 4.42 140M 7. Italy 3.30 105M 8. Brazil 2.94 93.63M 9. Canada 2.73 86.83M 10. Russia 2.40 76.38M India 0.834 26.48M Indonesia 0.543 17.24M Malaysia 0.341 10.83M Nigeria 0.250 7.94M Philippines 0.205 6.51M Pakistan 0.115 3.65M Bangladesh 0.010 317T.

Organs of the United Nations.

General Assembly Security Council Economic and Social Council Trusteeship Council International Court of Justice Secretariat.

General Assembly Composed of all members of the UN Main deliberative organ of the UN “world parliament” Each member state has one vote regardless of size Annual meeting every September Simple majority in voting but 2/3 on issues on peace and security, budget, and admission of members The Presidency rotates every year from among the 5 groupings in the UN.

Committees of the GA First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) Second Committee (Economic and Financial) Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budget) Sixth Committee (Legal).

Functions of the GA: Makes recommendation to the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security. Initiate studies and make recommendations on promoting international cooperation, international law, human rights, economic, social, cultural, educational and health fields. Receive the annual report of the Secretary General. Receive and consider reports from other organs of the UN Approves the annual budget Approves the admission of new members (recommendation of the SC) Elects the non-permanent member of the SC Appoints the SG upon recommendation of the SC Elects the members of the Human Rights Council.

Voting Voting that requires 2/3 Recommendations on international peace and security Election of non-permanent members of SC Election of members of the ECOSOC Suspension of the rights and privileges of members Expulsion of members Budgetary questions.

Weaknesses of the GA Membership Subservient to the SC on issues in international security Resolutions are non-binding (unlike SC) Defers to the decision of the SC on the admission of new members and the appointment of the UNSG).

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) - Coordinates the economic and social work of the UN system 54 members with seats allocated to to the different geographical groupings: Africa (14) Asia-Pacific (11) Eastern European states (6) Latin American and Caribbean states (10) Western Europe and other states (13) Each member serves for 3 years.

Functions and powers Makes studies and initiate reports on economic, social, cultural, health, educational, and other matter. Recommendation for promoting respect on human rights Coordinate the activities of the UN specialized agencies..

Trusteeship Council “established to supervise the administration of trust territories as they transitioned from colonies to sovereign nations. The Council suspended its activities in 1994, when Palau, the last of the original 11 trust territories, gained its independence.” (UN) * Convene as needed Membership: UN member administering trust territories Non-administering UN members The P-5.

International Court of Justice - composed of 15 judges (9-year term) Elected by the General Assembly and Security Council The principal judicial organ of the UN Two functions: 1. settle legal disputes submitted by states 2. advisory opinions on legal questions (UN organs and specialized agencies) Only hear cases submitted by states (they agreed to submit) Cannot hear cases involving individuals, organizations, and institutions Decisions are binding on member-states. No enforcement mechanisms. Rely on the SC for enforcement of judgment..

Notable cases Nicaragua v United States (1986) 2. Advisory opinion on the legality of the use or threat of nuclear weapons (1996) 3. Ukraine v Russia (March 2022) * Provisional measure.

Secretariat - administers and coordinate the activities and programs of the UN Composed of departments and offices with specific functions Composed of permanent professional and technical staff Accepted on merit basis Equitable geographical distribution Staff is part of international civil service (takes oath of loyalty to UN and not take instructions from home govt).

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The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General Secretary-General The highest officer in the UN (Chief Administrative Officer) The “world’s diplomat” Appointed by the General Assembly through a recommendation from the Security Council Serves a 5-year term and can be reelected Usually comes from small, neutral countries.

Role and functions of the Secretary-General Chief Administrative Officer of the UN Sits in the meeting of General Assembly, SC, ECOSOC and other functions Submits an annual report to the General Assembly Brings to the attention of the SC any matter which may threaten international peace and security.

II. Security Council -most powerful organ of the UN -composed of 15 members (10 NP and P5) NP members serve for 2 years Geographical representation (5 Asia and Africa, 1 Eastern Europe, 2 Western Europe, 2 Latin America) The only UN body which continuously meet (SC member must have representative) Presidency of the SC rotates every month.

Powers and functions of the SC Maintenance of international peace and security Recommends the SG Recommends admission of new states Resolutions are binding (has a force of international law) May refer cases to the ICC (if state is not a party).

Chapter VI Pacific Settlement of Disputes The SC may refer to peaceful means the settlement of disputes (negotiation, inquiry, mediation, arbitration, judicial settlement, other peaceful means) May investigate any dispute or situation that would likely lead to endanger international security and peace..

Chapter VII Action with respect to threats to the peace, breaches of the peace, and acts of aggression Determines the existence of of any threat to the peace, breach of the peace or acts of aggression and makes recommendations and decide what measures to take. May decide on non-military measures such as partial or total economic sanctions, means of communications, and severance of diplomatic relations.

3. Decides on military enforcement measures (land, air and sea forces. 4. May call upon all members to provide assistance to enforce decisions. 5. Coordinates with regional arrangements in the maintenance of international peace and security.

The “veto” The “veto power” or “Great Power unanimity” is a distinct arrangement adopted by the UN purposely to prevent the breakout of global hostilities and war between and among great powers. *Lesson from World War 1 and 2 * If great powers are unanimous, then there is peace!.

There were 293 vetoes from 1946 Russia (143) US (83) UK (32) France 18 China 16.

The “veto power” might sound selfish but it is instituted in order to ensure that the great powers can coexist and work together to maintain international peace. They must not go against each other otherwise war would commence. If the interest of a great power is threatened by another great power, then the likelihood of a world war will increase..

Issues in the Security Council are determined into two categories: Procedural matter – requires at least 9 votes of all members 2. Substantive matters (other matters) – requires at least 9 votes of all members with no negative vote from any P5 (if the issue is not clear if procedural or substantive, then it will be treated as substantive) P5 may abstain.

Examples of notable vetoes in the UN The Korean War (1950) - Uniting for Peace Resolution (UN GA Res 377 (1950) Resolves that if the Security Council, because of lack of unanimity of the permanent members, fails to exercise its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security in any case where there appears to be a threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression, the General Assembly shall consider the matter immediately with a view to making appropriate recommendations to Members for collective measures, including in the case of a breach of the peace or act of aggression the use of armed force when necessary, to maintain or restore international peace and security . Used 11 times by the General Assembly to call for an Emergency Special Session Palestine 1988 (Geneva) 2. Ukraine War (2022).

Non-military issues as “threat to international security and peace Gross violation of human rights (Rwanda, East Timor, Bosnia) HIV/AIDS (SC Resolution 1308 in 2000) Global diseases (SC Resolution 2177 in 2014).

Collective Security System The idea of a collective security system existed after the end of World War 1 through the League of Nations and in 1945 through the UN. Collective security is a security arrangement where the members have a common interest in preventing war and aggression within the system. Members under the collective security system ensures that any change of the status quo must be peaceful and not through aggression and forceful ways. An attack by one member against another is considered a threat to the entire community. This collective response acts as a deterrence to those contemplating forceful change of the system but if the deterrence fails to halt the aggressor, then a forceful response is needed..

Collective security requires collective decisions for collective goals, such as containing armed conflict, which is guided by the principle that an act of aggression by any state will be met with a unified response from the rest “collective security assumes that every nation perceives every challenge to the international order in the same way and is prepared to run the same risk to preserve it.” (Henry Kissinger).

Characteristics of collective security 1. the preservation of peace must be the goal of every member 2. attack against a member comes from within the system 3. must be universal in membership 4. prohibits the use of military force by any member against another member 5. members of the organization commit themselves in settling disputes peacefully 6. if a member breaks the peace, an overwhelming response from the other members must be the response (all for one, one for all) 7. collective response could be diplomatic, economic and military.

In the United Nations, collective security is triggered when a member resorted into aggressive armed behavior against another member. The entire combined weight of the response from other members would be overwhelming to defeat the aggressor. This collective action would deter any state contemplating of breaking the rules by attacking another state within the system. Best examples of UN Collective Security: The 1950 Korea War The 1991 Gulf War.

What about collective defense?.

Collective defense is an alliance of members sharing the same security concerns. The members commit themselves of defending any attacked member by combining their military resources in order to defeat and deter any aggressor. The attack against a member comes from outside the alliance and the collective military response of the members would overwhelmingly defeat the aggressor. 1. limited in scope usually within a specific region and involves a few countries 2. the attack against a member comes from outside the organization 3. military response is the expected response of any attack.

Achievement of the United Nations Global social and economic development Eradication of diseases International financial system International law (treaties) Human rights Environment No world war for almost 80 years.