‘The United Nation (UN) has been an ineffective actor in maintaining peace and security in the post-Cold War era’. Critically evaluate that claim.
The United Nations (UN) is the closest the international system has to an international government, it is organisation bringing 193 member states together in order to “maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and cooperate in solving international problems.” These are main goals highlighted in the UN charter and are the reasons why the UN is such a vital component in the international system. The issue with this is, despite the fact it has had its successes in the post-cold war period, it is also plagued with issues stemming from systematic failings such …show more content…
Original peacekeeping consisted of observer missions occurring after fighting had ended, to prevent further outbreaks of violence and assist in peaceful resolution. Post-Cold War saw a surge in peacekeeping, there was no longer the East (USSR)-West (USA) divide on the UNSC which often created stalemates during the Cold War, restricting the ability of the UN to act assertively. The removal of this divide post-cold war resulted in “a climate of optimism and expectations around the UN” and a hope the UN could play a more central role in containing and resolving conflicts.” However the increased demand for peacekeeping pushed the UN a great deal and the earlier successes “raised expectations for UN Peacekeeping beyond its capacity to deliver.” Conflict after the cold war was more complicated due to the increasing of democratisation and, increasing international security policy with more demands being made by citizens for rights as well as states having to be much more accountable to their citizens and the international system. States were still entirely sovereign however, due to the UN, they had a responsibility to be accountable in contributing to peace and …show more content…
Peacekeeping missions were originally designed to keep the peace rather than create peace initially. One of the three main principles of peacekeeping is consent of parties. When peace agreement already exists and is to be enforced it shows parties are willing to negotiate. Another important fact to consider is that UN has limited resources, these resources come from member nations who often, as seen in Rwanda, will not be supportive if there is a high chance of failure. When the guns have already fallen the peacekeepers can better utilise resources to support structures that rebuild societies in such a way that prevents further escalation of violence. In Sierra Leone Peacekeepers were responsible for supporting the returning of rebel land to governmental control. They trained over 4000 police, creating a new police force. Actions such as these are taken in order to provide security and authority for the law in the hope this will maintain
The United Nations (UN) is the closest the international system has to an international government, it is organisation bringing 193 member states together in order to “maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and cooperate in solving international problems.” These are main goals highlighted in the UN charter and are the reasons why the UN is such a vital component in the international system. The issue with this is, despite the fact it has had its successes in the post-cold war period, it is also plagued with issues stemming from systematic failings such …show more content…
Original peacekeeping consisted of observer missions occurring after fighting had ended, to prevent further outbreaks of violence and assist in peaceful resolution. Post-Cold War saw a surge in peacekeeping, there was no longer the East (USSR)-West (USA) divide on the UNSC which often created stalemates during the Cold War, restricting the ability of the UN to act assertively. The removal of this divide post-cold war resulted in “a climate of optimism and expectations around the UN” and a hope the UN could play a more central role in containing and resolving conflicts.” However the increased demand for peacekeeping pushed the UN a great deal and the earlier successes “raised expectations for UN Peacekeeping beyond its capacity to deliver.” Conflict after the cold war was more complicated due to the increasing of democratisation and, increasing international security policy with more demands being made by citizens for rights as well as states having to be much more accountable to their citizens and the international system. States were still entirely sovereign however, due to the UN, they had a responsibility to be accountable in contributing to peace and …show more content…
Peacekeeping missions were originally designed to keep the peace rather than create peace initially. One of the three main principles of peacekeeping is consent of parties. When peace agreement already exists and is to be enforced it shows parties are willing to negotiate. Another important fact to consider is that UN has limited resources, these resources come from member nations who often, as seen in Rwanda, will not be supportive if there is a high chance of failure. When the guns have already fallen the peacekeepers can better utilise resources to support structures that rebuild societies in such a way that prevents further escalation of violence. In Sierra Leone Peacekeepers were responsible for supporting the returning of rebel land to governmental control. They trained over 4000 police, creating a new police force. Actions such as these are taken in order to provide security and authority for the law in the hope this will maintain