Pondering about Pondering…

How easy was it to start up a blog and start to use twitter?

Going to be completely honest here – I would rather write an essay than blog. Crazy, I know! But I will give this blogging thing a fair go in the hope that i’ll become more comfortable with it. I dropped my Communications and Media degree simply because I found that blogging was not for me. However, as the United Nations and human rights are topics that I am very passionate about, I’m sure this will warm to me. It’s not as if I lack thoughts and opinions on these topics, its merely the thought of having to share them with others that I find so dreaded! In terms of setting up my blog, this was no problem. Easy peasy. Getting my first words on the page however… a different story.

Tweeting, a very distant, foreign concept to me. It will take me a little bit of time to get used to it. However, so far, so good. I realise now, after doing a fair bit of exploring (or stalking- not sure if this applies to twitter or just Facebook) the value of twitter in keeping up to date on matters in international relations. Not only am I surprised at how vigilant some heads of state are with their rapid and constant tweeting but how slow I’ve been to get in on it!

What key new things have you learnt about the United Nations?

Prior to starting this subject, I did have a fair bit of basic knowledge on the United Nations’ origins, systems and workings. 3 weeks in too this subject however, I’ve realised how useful the study of international relations theories can be in understanding the justifications and workings of individuals, states and the United Nations itself. Through this I’ve learnt that the United Nations cannot be classed as merely liberal, as although it was founded upon liberal values and intentions, in practice in diplomacy and peacekeeping its realist nature is often revealed, evidently through the Security Council.

Which area of the United Nations would you most like to get a job and why?

One of the key reasons I chose this subject was to give me a better idea on where I would like to go with my International Studies course and international relations major. I am no closer to coming to any conclusion on this matter however after listening to Susan Engels interview with Stephen Hill who was the Regional Director and Ambassador for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) this seems like an area that appeals to me.

Aswell as this, for quite some time I’ve had  a key interest/concern in the area of human trafficking. Working for the UNODC – United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. I encourage anyone who hasn’t seen the movie The Whistleblower to watch it. Based on a true story, although dramatized. This article from the Guardian also gives a good overview on the movie and its relation to the reality of human trafficking today.  http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jan/15/bosnia-sex-trafficking-whistleblower

The United Nations System Today: Linking with International Relations Theory

Which organ is more effective at creating change in international relations, the General Assembly or Security Council?

Both the General Assembly who works as the main forum of discussion for issues in international relations, policy making and representation aswell as financing peacekeeping and the Security Council who has primary responsibility for the maintanence of international peace and security play key roles in the United Nations. Both work hand in hand, with the General Assembly as a main body for discussion and the Security Council as the organ for implementation.

However each have their flaws. While the General Assembly mandates a much broader area of issues in International Relations and thus has 6 specialised agencies in these respective areas, its decisions are not binding and are therefore non enforceable and can be overridden by the Security Council. It is however more effective than the Security Council in terms of representation as can be seen by the various groupings which hold equal value in discussions and thus a broader mandate of issues can be recognised thanks to the General Assembly in the hope of implementing change.

The Security Council has a much narrower mandate over issues, however its decisions are binding and it is the organ in which military peacekeeping missions are enforced. Under Article 25 of the UN Charter, all UN members agree to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council. While other organs of the UN make recommendations to Member States, the Council alone has the power to take decisions which Member States are obligated to implement. Thus it holds much stronger power than the General Assembly in this area. However in terms of representation of member states, it falls short by allowing the P5 members (France, China, Britain, US, Russia) to VETO certain issues which inhibit in some cases, calls for change.

What do the theories of international relations tell you about the way that the United Nations operates?

Both realism and liberalism underpin the way in which the United Nations operates. The fact that they do so tells us that there is bound to be some conflict and contrasting views within its workings. While the United Nations itself was born out of liberalist values, valuing collaboration over conflict, democracy, justice, human rights and peace, interdependence and the General Assembly working off these values through peaceful discussions, the Security Council underpins the realist heart of the United Nations. With its emphasis on sovereignty and military means to ensure this. This conflict is emphasised by the fact that there are 5 permanent members with VETO power to over rule decisions of the General Assembly. The lack of unity between the two organs tells us that there will be some inevitable conflict which may inhibit the efficiency and effectiveness of the protection of human rights by the United Nations

 

So far, so good: What I’ve learnt about the United Nations

Origins

The United Nations developed as a post-war international organisation to maintain peace and security. The UN  can be seen as an evolution or response to the failure of the League of Nations to adequately respond to the situations which paved the way for World War 2.

However prior to the formation of the League of Nations and UN, many other factors played a role in inspiring and evolving the process and progress of international organisation. Including:

– the growth of law and a legalist approach to international cooperation
– ideas of universal human rights which developed out of the US War of Independence and the French Revolution. The liberal values which were projected through these events heavily influenced the rights set out in the UN Charter
– International social movements focused on human rights including; the Anti-slavery campaign
– New faith in human capacity to organise and manage

Role/aims

To put it simply:

UN’s main aims are to “keep peace, develop relations, improve lives of poor people, and to be a centre for harmonising”.

Structure

The General Assembly – Here, all 193 member states have a representative. All other bodies are appointed and elected by the G.A., as well as it having a crucial role in policy making. However, decisions made within the G.A. are binding (i.e. not enforceable by international law).

The Security Council – The Security Council is made up of five permanent members (the P5: US, UK, Russia, China and France), and ten non-permanent members that are elected for two year terms. The S.C. is the main enforcement mechanism of the UN. It’s main goal is to maintain global peace and security.

Secretary-General – Appointed by the G.A., upon recommendation by the S.C. Currently Ban-Ki Moon. Their role is peacekeeping and humanitarian.

International Court of Justice – A centre for all legal disputes and advisory opinions in regards to UN matters.

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) – Has 54 members, and is the organ for all economic and social concerns, as well as accommodating NGOs.