1. International Organizations Post – WW2
The United Nations

2. Key Terms
Self-determination: the freedom for people in a given territory to determine their own political status.
Binding: a decision that must be obeyed.
Non-binding: a decision that you do not have to obey.
Veto: the power of one country to overrule a decision.

3. Historical Context
The UNITED NATIONS was founded after WWII.

5. UN Facts
Created in 1945.
HQ is located in New York City – the land it is located on is considered international territory
Currently has 193 member states
Six official languages

6. Map of UN member states and their dependent territories as recognized by the UN. Non-members shown: Vatican City, Palestinian territories, Western Sahara.

7. Main Mission of the UN Maintain international peace and security.
Pretty simple to understand
Develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples.
What does this mean?

8. Main Mission of the UN
To achieve international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.
What does this mean?

9. Does this make the UN more or less effective?
Discussion Question?
Does the UN fit into a particular category of international organization? (ex: military, economic, social/cultural)
Does this make the UN more or less effective?

10. Structure of the UN
There are many organs of the UN. We will examine three of them:
UN General Assembly
UN Secretary General
UN Security Council

11. General Assembly Composed of all the member states
Each state can express its point of view
They can issue non-binding resolutions

12. Secretary General Is the spokesperson and ‘leader’ of the UN
Ensures its proper functioning
An important mediator in disputes
Current Secretary General Ban Ki-moon of South Korea

13. Security Council
Responsible for maintaining international peace and security
If necessary can decide to use armed force
Composed of 15 members (5 permanent and 10 elected every 2 years)
Permanent members have veto-power
Decisions made are binding

14. Security Council
Who do you think the 5 permanent members with veto-power are?
ANSWER: USA, Great Britain, France, China and Russia

15. Discussion Question
In what ways is the United Nations a democratic organization? In what ways is it not?

16. Other Bodies of the UN Security (IAEA, Peacekeeping)
Culture and Education (UNESCO)
Health (WHO, FAO)
Development (UNICEF)
Justice (ICC)
Transportation & Communication
Economy (IMF, World Bank)