International Relations Over the Last Several Decades,

International Relations

Over the last several decades, the role of the UN has been constantly evolving. Part of the reason for this is because a host of events would underscore the need for an international institution that could address: the various global, economic and political issues facing the world community. The reason why, is because the 19th century would usher in a new era of technological innovation. This would have a dramatic impact upon, the way various nations would interact with one another. As each country would often engage in actions that would support their own self-interest at the expense of everyone else. This would create rivalries among the major world powers, as every country wanted to be respected. Yet, they felt that they were strong enough militarily and economically to deal with any kind of situation. Over the course of time, these views and the different innovations (from the 19th century) would set the stage for World War I. Where, all of the major world powers would become involved in the conflict out of: economic, military or territorial conquests. After several years of a stalemate, the Western powers would emerge victorious from the war. In response to addressing these different issues, they would form the League of Nations. This was intended to serve as a forum for various countries to discuss their differences (in an effort to avoid similar conflicts to World War I). As the idea of liberalism would slowly emerge as the dominate school of thought in dealing with a host of different issues. Simply put, this is a social / political philosophy that promotes: individual rights and the establishment of institutions that will ensure the continued progress of civilization in a non-violent manner.

As a result, various institutions would evolve to support these different objectives. The League of Nations was the first attempt to address these ideas, by having some kind of body that can serve as mechanism for preventing future conflicts. However, the League of Nations was considered to be very weak. As there was no major consensus about: the overall scope of their authority and power. At which point, many countries would begin to engage in actions that would support their own self-interest as well as territorial ambitions (Germany, Japan and Italy). This would lead to the disintegration of the League of Nations, as World War II would underscore the various weaknesses. After, the defeat of Germany, Japan and Italy; it became obvious that some kind of change needed to take place in the international community (to avoid major conflicts such as World War II). This would lead the development of the United Nations in 1945. As there were greater calls for an international institution that could work towards the ambitious goals of: peace, developing friendly relations between nations, promoting human dignity and the well being of all people around the globe.

This is significant, because it would mark a major turning point, as liberalism and the ideas of having international institutions, would become part of the new world order that was evolving. To fully understand the role of the UN requires: examining liberalism in comparison with other theories (as it relates to the UN), looking at examples of different actions taken by the UN / their impact on events and how the UN is achieving these goals from the liberal perspective. Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights, as to how the UN is embracing the ideas of liberalism, to address the underlying challenges facing the world community.

Chapter 2: Liberalism in Comparison with other Theories (as it relates to the UN)

Under the theory of liberalism, there is a common belief that all nations should work together for the common good. Like what was discussed earlier, this evolved out of the brutal conflicts that occurred during the 20th century (World War I and World War II). As there was a clear need for establishing some kind of international framework for nations to address their differences. As a result, the theory of liberalism would provide a foundation for addressing these challenges by: promoting cooperation and interdependence. This is important, because it shows how the liberal ideology would have a profound impact upon the development of the UN. As the idea of making nations interdependent upon one another, would reduce the chances for conflict. At the same time, it created a situation that would hold states accountable to international standards.

This is different from the theory of realism. As this ideology, is concerned about the underlying struggle that the different nation states will have. At the heart of this theory, is the belief that international relations are a zero sum game. Where, every nation state will act in their own self-interest no matter what. To maintain some kind of order, the various countries will seek to counter balance the effects of the other (creating a zero sum effect). As a result, realists have no faith in the various international institutions or the idea of everyone collectively working together. This is because, they believe that all nations will work in their own self-interest, effectively reduce the need for such institutions. When you compare this idea with liberalism, it is clear that this theory is a complete opposite. As realism has no faith in international institutions or their ability to maintain order. This is because the different nation states are acting in their own self-interest, which is causing zero sum game. Therefore, under this theory, the UN would serve no purpose other than to intervene in the relationship that different nations will have with each other.

Feminism is a form of thinking that is concerned about various historical / economic issues have had an impact upon women. Where, it is focused on the social status of women around the world and how this is having an effect upon their lives. This would include issues surrounding: economics, social roles and politics as they relate to women.

This is important, because it shows how feminism is taking the ideas of liberalism and is expanding upon the issue of equality, by applying it to women. When you compare this theory to way liberalism would apply it to the UN, this ideology works in line with many of their objectives. As it is seeking to address injustices (such as sexism / violence) and ensure that women have the same opportunities as men. To make certain that the rights of women are being respected around the world, the UN has established a number of different agencies to include: the Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW), the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the Office of the Special Advisor on Gender Issues and the Advancement of Women (OSAGI) and International Research & Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW). This is significant, because it shows how feminism has similar goals and objectives as liberalism.

As a result, the UN has embraced this theory as a part of their overall objectives.

Chapter 3: Examples of the Different Actions taken by the UN and their Impact on Events

Over the years, the UN has engaged in a number of different policy decisions that would have ripple effects on international events. In some cases, these effects would help to achieve the goals of organization. While at other times, the UN would increase the overall amounts of instability in the region. As they are attempting to address the challenges, yet do not have: the respect, funding or resources to effectively tackle the problem. This is the biggest challenge facing the UN, as the overall scope of the problems will vary requiring unique solutions.

The Positive Impact of the UN

A good example of how the UN can have a positive impact on international events can be seen by looking no further than efforts to address issues of inequality around the world. Where, various minorities, ethnic groups and women are constantly subject to systematic discrimination. As they are often viewed, as people who are of less significance (in many developing nations around the world). This problematic, because not acknowledging or supporting the achievements of these different groups can often lead to underdevelopment. Where, the various resources are siphoned off by the most dominant groups in society. This creates a system of inequality, by giving select groups of people the opportunities for economic advancement, while others are left to fend for themselves. Over the course of time, this causes the economy in many of these different nations to remain unbalanced, by not helping to support everyone. As the productivity of the oppressed groups will often become less, due to the underlying amounts of systematic discrimination.

In this particular case, the UN has had an impact at addressing these issues, by helping the different developing nations to understand the contribution that minorities make. At the same time, they encourage various governments to reach out and support these groups, so that the country can begin to experience above average economic growth (helping to improve the standard living).

Recent evidence of this can be found with the Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean. During this series of meeting held in Brazil, the different nations of the region agreed to adopt provisions outlining the challenges that women are continuing to face. To include: promoting / strengthening the economic empowerment of women / minorities, improving access to positions of power, addressing issues of violence affecting women and improving access to high technology. This is significant, because it shows how various initiatives to address inequality, are creating a change in government policies within many developing nations. As they realize the contribution that women and minorities make to society / economic growth, which has caused a change in how these governments are interacting with these groups.

What this example shows, is how the UN is having a positive impact on various issues that are affecting a host of different countries around the world. As the systematic discrimination that is occurring has been hurting economic growth and the ability of many nations to improve their standard of living. The fact that the UN can help these nations to understand how these policies could be affecting their economic prosperity; has created a shift in the way various government are addressing the underlying challenges that they are facing.

A second example of the overall positive impact of the UN can be seen with how they deal with various conflicts. In this particular case, the organization has a strategy of introducing monitors to key hot spots. The idea is that by placing them in between the two opposing sides, you can reduce the overall amounts of hostilities and eventually begin negations. Once this takes place, the chances of finding a non-violent resolution to the problem improves dramatically. A good example of this can be seen with the UN placing monitors in between the two sides during the Iran -- Iraq war of the 1980's. Where, monitors were introduced to the conflict in August 1988. This would mark the beginning of the end, as they would be used to reduce hostilities, eventually leading to a negotiated end to the war. This is important, because it shows how the UN can help to prevent conflicts from escalating out of control.

At the same time, the UN has helped to establish various institutions to judge how different nations conducted a war. In this case, they have established various standards for how: wars should be fought, the way civilians / POWs should be treated and to enforce these rules (the International Criminal Court). This is important, because it is showing how the UN is pushing nations to use less aggressive tactics in the way they are conducting wars.

When you step back and analyze these different elements, it is clear that UN has been successful in reducing the overall intensity of conflict, by separating the two sides and then conducting negotiations. This has helped to increase stability, by preventing various conflicts from spiraling out of control (which could have adverse effects upon a particular region). As the different standards for how wars are to be conducted and providing an effective mechanism for enforcing them, are creating a shift in way they are fought. Where, different heads of state will take into account: various international accords and the impact of their actions during the conflict. These two different strategies have helped to improve stability, by preventing conflicts from taking a life of their own and holding heads of state accountable. In many ways, one could argue that these standards have created a shift in how various governments will engage in hostilities.

The Negative Impact of the UN

Despite the positive effects of the different UN programs, there have been several incidents that have caused numerous challenges for the organization. This is because they often will incorporate various aspects of the different missions into an umbrella program. Where, it is not uncommon for various humanitarian and military objectives to come into conflict with one another. This is problematic, because taking such an idealistic approach can mean that UN staff is not accounting for possible uncertainties that could occur. Given the fact that most operations are in countries where there is large amounts of instability, means that there could be conflicting missions. This is challenging, for the personnel on the ground, as they often will have their hands tied in achieving their operational objectives. Over the course of time, this can cause the lives of UN personnel to face increased amounts of danger, due to the lack of a clear mandate and the ability of local officials to exploit this weakness. Once this occurs, it will have an adverse impact upon the mission, as it more than likely will encounter difficulties that cannot be overcame (because of the lack of authority).

A good example of this can be found with the UN mission in Somalia between 1992 and 1995, as there would be two different operations with conflicting objectives (UNOSOM I and UNOSOM II). UNOSOM I began in 1992, to address the famine that was taking place in the country. What happened was Somalia would erupt into a civil war in 1991, following the overthrow of the authoritarian government. This would give various warlords large amounts of control and influence over key areas of the country. At the same time, a famine was occurring with the outbreak of violence. The results were that 300 thousand people would die from the famine in 1991. As the fighting would displace them from their homes and make it difficult to obtain any kind of food / supplies. When you combine this with the drought that was being experienced, meant that the effects of the famine would become even more severe. As the civil war would limit trade and make it difficult to for various supplies to be delivered too many areas of the country. In an effort to address these challenges the UN Security Council would authorize the establishment of UNOSOM I. The objective was to deliver humanitarian assistance to various areas of the country that are being affected by the famine. The problem with this operation began when many the UN staff, were assaulted when trying to deliver these supplies. At the same time, various convoys and relief flights were looted by large crowds or were confiscated by the local war lords. This made any kind of relief efforts ineffective, due to the obvious security challenges facing the UN. As a result, the UN would authorize the use of military force to protect supplies and personnel (with the United States taking the lead role). This would help to provide stability to Somalia, as the UN forces were able protect key supply routes and establish a distribution system for relief supplies. At which point, the overall severity of the crisis would decline with the relief efforts having an impact upon addressing the famine. This is important, because it shows how UNOSOM I would prove to be effective at establishing enough stability, to address the operational objectives of the mission.

However, the civil war would continue to make the security situation very challenging. As a result, the Security Council would authorize UNOSOM II in March 1993. This was an effort to bring stability to the country, by aggressively targeting the warlords and other individuals that were inciting violence. The results of these actions were that the UN forces would face increasing amounts of ambushes. Where, they were forced to go into areas that were strongholds for the warlords without proper air and ground support. This was problematic, as it would expose UN forces to a variety of attacks and it would not give the troops on the ground the proper tools to respond. The pinnacle of these activities occurred with the death of several different Army Rangers during an operation to arrest one of the top warlords in October 1993. At which point, the UN would begin slowly winding down their operations, as there was no longer the will to continue with UNOSOM II. This is significant, because it shows how the success of UNOSOM I would lure many at the UN to believe that they could achieve stability in the country. In many ways, one could argue that the changing roles between UNOSOM I and UNOSOM II would lead to the failure of the mission. As a humanitarian relief effort would morph into nation building, without providing the necessary resources or personnel to address the underlying challenges.

A second example of the negative impact of the UN can be seen during the civil war that took place in Lebanon between 1975 and 1990. What happened was the different factions, began to fight against one another in an effort to dominate the country. Wanting to create stability, the UN would encourage Syria to send troops into Lebanon in 1976. This is important, because it would give Syria undue amounts of influence in Lebanon (as it felt that the country was a part of greater Syria). This would allow Damascus to have increasing amounts of influence over the Shiite population. Over the course of time, this would bring short to medium term instability, while improving long-term security. In this particular case, the large presence of Syrian forces would help to fuel support for various Sunni groups. At the same time, it would encourage Israel to invade Lebanon (due to the increasing influence of Syria and instability in the country). The long-term security situation would improve in 1991, when the UN would give Syria the authorization to attack groups that were opposed to various peace initiatives. This is important, because allowing Syria into Lebanon would cause the intensity of the conflict to become worse. As Syria was known for sponsoring terrorism, which would allow Lebanon to become a base for many different terrorist organizations such as: Hezbollah. This would help Syria to remain a dominate force in Lebanon until 2005, when international pressure increased to the point that they were forced to withdraw.

When you step back and analyze this situation, it is clear that the actions of support taken by the UN were a failure. As the occupation of Lebanon by Syrian forces, would give them greater influence, to support activities that are contrary to the actions of UN Charter. This is problematic, because the actions taken by the UN would make the security situation worse for several years. Then, when it did improve, it would give a government (Syria) that does not follow the different UN policies total control. In many ways, one could argue that this action would make the situation in the Middle East more unstable, by allowing Syria to establish organizations that will support their objectives. At which point, the influence of terrorist groups increased dramatically, by providing them with a safe haven and support. As a result, it is easy to see how the increased amounts of tension between terrorist organizations and Israel have increased. As the civil war, has given groups such as Hezbollah control of large sections of the country. During times of conflict, these areas are used to attack various Israeli cities and towns. This makes the region more unstable, because of the radical views of terrorist leaders, which can cause the severity of conflicts to increase dramatically.

Chapter 4: How the UN is achieving these Goals from the Liberal Perspective

When you analyze how the UN is achieving these different objectives from the liberal perspective, it is obvious that it is addressing fundamental needs of international community. As they are creating new standards for various nation states to follow; in how they are interacting with citizens and other countries. This is important because, once a single standard has been introduced it can help to address the underlying challenges facing various regions. Where, the UN is focused on helping everyone to: experience peace, stability and prosperous economic growth. Prior to the introduction of such standards, many nations would often act in their own self-interest and followed the most commonly accepted practices in their society. This caused vast disparities to exist and created incidents where conflicts would erupt over various rivalries / spheres of influence. At which point, the chances would increase dramatically that some kind of conflict could occur, because of these views. In this aspect, liberals would argue that the UN is addressing the underlying challenges that it is facing. As they are focused on promoting peace, stability and equality by establishing common principals that all nation states should adhere to. Then, when various individuals refuse to follow these different standards, they are held accountable for the actions that they have taken. This is important, because it underscores how these standards will show heads of state, the way they should most appropriately behave. Where, those who refuse to follow these different laws will face justice for their decisions that they have made. When you put these two elements together, this creates a standard that everyone understands and respects. This is because the various enforcement provisions are ensuring that the directives of the UN are more than just words.