International Institutions- The United Nations

THE UNITED NATIONS Discussions on UN stated at the end of WW2 Secure peace in the world: collective security remained Very realist organisation SECURITY COUNCIL - 5 permanent members (US, Russia, UK, France and China), and 10 non-permanent members 5 permanent members have veto power, causes problems because they cannot agree All UN members represented in the GENERAL ASSEMBLY - equal vote to every member state, 2/3 majority vote GENERAL COUNCIL (budget, financial contributions, electing non-permanent member of the SC) More inclusive process - NGO'S Palestine has no vote - observer "The League was idealistic about changing the nature of the world. The UN emphasised accepting the world as it was" - Armstrong et al Geneva Protocol 1928 - banned use of chemical/biological weapons Economic/social matters, humanitarian issues, legal matters World order changing - reason why UN failing? Every state automatically a member, regardless of what kind of state-? Need reform of Security Council, 1) doesn't cover emerging powers or represent world today, 2) any changes have to be accepted by SC = deadlock Decision are NOT binding by law (EU only II to have this)