Role of United Nations in regulating conflict & maintaining peace (A-Level Geography)

Summary

This video delves into the United Nations' pivotal role as a supranational institution in maintaining global peace and order. Established post-World War II with 51 countries, it has grown to 193 members, excluding Palestine and the Holy See. The UN fosters international law through treaties, exemplified by the Paris Agreement, and addresses conflicts via peacekeeping missions and peacebuilding initiatives. It also reforms institutions, promotes disarmament, and provides humanitarian aid, as seen in its efforts in Mali, including a national action plan against gender-based violence and measles vaccinations. The video promises further exploration of the UN's multifaceted strategies in future content.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The UN is a supranational institution that operates above sovereign states and plays a key role in maintaining global peace and political order.
• 📈 Established in 1945, the UN has grown from 51 to 193 member states, with only Palestine and the Holy See not being members.
• 📝 The UN develops international law and treaties, which are agreements between two or more states or international organizations, based on universally accepted norms.
• 🏛 The UN Charter serves as the foundation for many international treaties, setting the standards for behavior and cooperation among nations.
• 🌳 Treaties like the Paris Agreement aim to address global issues such as climate change by setting targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
• 💥 Some treaties, such as the Ottawa Treaty banning landmines and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, face challenges due to non-participation by major powers.
• 🛡 Peacekeeping is a significant UN role, involving the deployment of military personnel from member states to intervene in conflicts and maintain peace.
• 🏗️ Peacebuilding is a longer-term process that includes repairing relationships, reforming institutions, disarmament, and ensuring fair elections and human rights.
• 👮‍♂️ The UN assists in reforming institutions like the Malian police force, helping to develop national action plans to address issues like violence against women.
• 🤝 Humanitarian aid is a crucial aspect of the UN's work, providing support during crises, such as measles vaccinations for children in Mali.
• 👥 The UN Security Council plays a vital role in international peace and security, though it will be discussed in a separate video.

Q & A

What is the role of the United Nations (UN) in maintaining global peace and security?

The UN plays a key role in maintaining global peace and security by regulating conflicts, fostering cooperation, developing good relations between nations, upholding international law through treaties, and engaging in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts.

What does 'supranational institution' mean in the context of the UN?

A 'supranational institution' refers to an organization that has authority over sovereign states, as the UN does, operating at a level of governance above that of individual countries.

How many member states are there in the UN, and which states are not members?

There are 193 member states in the UN. The two states that are not part of it are Palestine and the Holy See (Vatican City).

What is the purpose of international treaties as discussed in the script?

International treaties are written agreements between two or more parties, such as countries or international organizations, to establish norms of behavior, customs, and morals, often aimed at addressing global issues like climate change or disarmament.

What is the significance of the UN Charter in the context of treaties?

The UN Charter serves as the foundation for many international treaties, as it outlines the norms and standards of behavior that are universally accepted and are often the basis for treaty agreements.

Can you provide an example of a treaty mentioned in the script and its effectiveness?

The Ottawa Treaty of 1997 is an example mentioned in the script. It aimed to stop the production, use, and stockpiling of anti-personnel mines. While 164 countries signed it, the absence of major powers like China, Russia, and the USA raises questions about its overall effectiveness.

What is the role of peacekeeping in the UN's efforts to maintain peace?

Peacekeeping involves the deployment of military troops from member states to intervene in conflicts with the aim of maintaining peace and stability. This is done under the UN's guidance and involves on-the-ground operations.

How does the UN approach peacebuilding as opposed to peacekeeping?

Peacebuilding is a longer-term process that involves repairing relationships, reforming institutions, disarmament, ensuring fair elections, and implementing human rights, among other initiatives, to establish lasting peace.

Can you give an example of the UN's peacebuilding efforts mentioned in the script?

The script mentions the UN's involvement with the Malian police force, where they helped implement a three-year national action plan to address issues of violence against women, particularly sexual violence.

What is the significance of humanitarian aid in the UN's operations?

Humanitarian aid is a critical aspect of the UN's work, providing essential support during crises, such as measles vaccinations in Mali, to protect and improve the lives of people affected by conflicts or disasters.

What is the UN Security Council, and why is it significant?

The UN Security Council is one of the six main organs of the UN, responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It has significant power, including the authority to establish peacekeeping missions, impose sanctions, and authorize the use of force.