Outline for 10/15: The United Nations System Historical Background UN Charter Why join? Structure Peacekeeping UN Reform

Background Founded in 1945 in San Francisco Headquarters in New York opened in 1952 Leading founder was the United States Why did the USA want a UN given our non-participation in the League of Nations?

Is the UN simply an international meeting place for sovereign nation-states or is it an incipient form of world government seeking to supplant national sovereignty? The case for an international meeting place for sovereign nation-states… The UN Charter Must be signed by all governments seeking to join the UN Has been signed by 192 national governments Codifies that all states are equal in terms of international law have full sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity must carry out their international obligations.

Why do national governments join the UN? Costs – Dues based on size of national economy who are the largest contributors? Benefits – International recognition as a sovereign state, Convenient meeting place, Access to information and technical expertise. Others? Is the US fully paid up in terms of its UN dues? What are some potential benefits to UN membership for the US government?

The Case for Incipient World Government…. Basic structure of the UN system (see p. 238 G&P) Legislative branches ? Judicial branch ? Executive branch ?

Security Council Meets as needed in New York Membership Permanent 5 + Rotating 10 (2 year terms) How were P5 chosen? How are the Rotating 10 selected? UNSC resolutions require 9 “yes” votes with 0 “no” votes from the P5. UNSC resolutions are, in theory, binding on member-states

General Assembly Holds annual plenary sessions in New York, and occasional sessions on dedicated topics Membership: All 192 UN member-states have one equal vote But UNGA resolutions are explicitly non-binding UNGA an important forum for developing countries, but often a source of irritation for the US government Why would we create a UN that includes this structure?

International Court of Justice (World Court) Meets as needed in The Hague, Netherlands. 15 judges serving 9 year terms Hears only cases between national governments Optional clause

Secretariat Led by Secretary-General Who is current Secretary-General (nationality)? Appointment process Nominated by UNSC Approved by UNGA UN staff of ~15,000

Even if it looks like a World Government, it’s hard for the UN to function as one given institutional limitations Limitations of UNSC as legislative body? Limitations of UNGA as legislative body? Limitations of World Court? Limitations of Secretariat as executive actor?

Peacekeeping Forces Many peacekeeping missions (see p. 246 G&P) Yet not mentioned within UN Charter So where does the authorization come from?

UN Reform US Government wants smaller UN staff, reduced budget Basis for this claim? Other countries want permanent seats on UNSC Which countries and on what basis?