9. United Nations

Question 1

What is the structure and functions of the International Court of Justice?

Answer 1

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, responsible for settling legal disputes between states and giving advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by the UN. Its structure includes a bench of 15 judges elected for nine-year terms, representing the world’s main forms of civilization and legal systems. The ICJ functions to promote the rule of law and ensure justice in international relations.

Question 2

Discuss the structure and functions of the UN Security Council.

Answer 2

The UN Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It consists of 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power (the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China) and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. The Council’s functions include determining threats to peace, imposing sanctions, and authorizing military action.

Question 3

Describe the composition of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Discuss its voluntary jurisdiction.

Answer 3

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is composed of 15 judges elected by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. The judges serve nine-year terms and must represent the world’s main legal systems. The ICJ has voluntary jurisdiction, meaning that states must consent to its jurisdiction for the Court to hear a case, typically through treaties or special agreements.

Question 4

What measures have been undertaken by the United Nations for its reforms?

Answer 4

The United Nations has undertaken various reforms aimed at improving its effectiveness and responsiveness to global challenges. These measures include restructuring the Security Council to better reflect current geopolitical realities, enhancing the role of the General Assembly, and improving peacekeeping operations. Additionally, reforms have focused on increasing transparency and accountability within the UN system.

Question 5

Discuss the significance and urgency of the UN Security Council reforms.

Answer 5

The significance of UN Security Council reforms lies in addressing the changing dynamics of global power and ensuring that the Council reflects contemporary geopolitical realities. The urgency for reform is driven by the need for more equitable representation, particularly for developing countries, and to enhance the Council’s legitimacy and effectiveness in maintaining international peace and security.

Question 6

In what way does the predominance of the USA in UN funding affect its decision-making?

Answer 6

The predominance of the USA in UN funding affects decision-making by giving it significant influence over the UN’s agenda and priorities. As the largest contributor, the USA can leverage its financial power to shape policies and initiatives, often prioritizing its national interests. This can lead to tensions with other member states and impact the UN’s ability to act independently.

Question 7

Do you think that sustainable development goals are really attainable by 2030?

Answer 7

The attainability of sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030 is a complex issue, influenced by factors such as political will, resource allocation, and global cooperation. While significant progress has been made, challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change remain. Achieving the SDGs requires concerted efforts from all countries, particularly in mobilizing resources and fostering partnerships.

Question 8

Evaluate the role of the International Court of Justice in inter-State disputes.

Answer 8

The International Court of Justice plays a crucial role in resolving inter-State disputes by providing a legal forum for countries to settle their differences peacefully. Its judgments contribute to the development of international law and help maintain stability in international relations. The ICJ’s role is significant in promoting adherence to legal norms and fostering dialogue between states.

Question 9

Discuss the relevance of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on the security of women in conflict zones.

Answer 9

UN Security Council Resolution 1325 is relevant as it emphasizes the importance of women’s participation in peace processes and the need to protect women and girls in conflict situations. The resolution recognizes that women are disproportionately affected by conflict and advocates for their involvement in decision-making to ensure that their perspectives and needs are addressed in peacebuilding efforts.

Question 10

Do you agree with the view that despite the limitations in the functioning of the UN, it has distinguished and unique achievements to its credit?

Answer 10

Despite its limitations, the UN has achieved significant milestones in promoting peace, security, and human rights globally. Its unique achievements include the establishment of international norms, peacekeeping missions, and humanitarian assistance programs. These accomplishments demonstrate the UN’s vital role in addressing global challenges and fostering international cooperation.

Question 11

What is the objective of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security?

Answer 11

The objective of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security is to prevent conflicts and wars.

Question 12

What does the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) establish?

Answer 12

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) establishes fundamental human rights that are to be promoted and protected globally.

Question 13

How does the UN contribute to the development of international law?

Answer 13

The UN contributes to the development of international law by establishing norms and facilitating dispute resolution, providing a forum for addressing legal issues between states.

Question 14

What are the focus areas for promoting social progress and better living standards by the UN?

Answer 14

The focus areas for promoting social progress and better living standards by the UN include addressing poverty, health, education, and environmental sustainability.

Question 15

What is Joseph S. Nye Jr’s perspective on the role of the UN?

Answer 15

Joseph S. Nye Jr highlights the UN’s role in providing a platform for international cooperation and addressing global issues that no single nation can solve alone, despite its flaws.

Question 16

What criticism does Noam Chomsky have regarding the UN?

Answer 16

Noam Chomsky criticizes the UN for being used by powerful member states, particularly the U.S., to advance their own interests rather than genuinely working for global peace and security.

Question 17

What is John J. Mearsheimer’s view on the effectiveness of the UN?

Answer 17

John J. Mearsheimer views the UN with skepticism, arguing that it is often ineffective in preventing conflicts or enforcing peace, as powerful states will follow their own interests.

Question 18

What reforms did Kofi Annan advocate for within the UN?

Answer 18

Kofi Annan advocated for reforms within the UN, particularly the Security Council, to reflect the realities of the 21st century.

Question 19

What bureaucratic issues does Thomas G. Weiss highlight regarding the UN?

Answer 19

Thomas G. Weiss critiques the UN for its bureaucratic inefficiencies and the paralysis in the Security Council due to the veto power of its permanent members, advocating for significant reforms.

Question 20

How does Bruce Russett view the UN’s role in international cooperation?

Answer 20

Bruce Russett sees the UN as a key instrument for fostering international cooperation and peace, providing a platform for conflict resolution and dialogue that would be difficult to replicate.

Question 21

What is the aim and objective of the General Assembly (GA)?

Answer 21

The General Assembly (GA) is the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the UN.

Question 22

What is the structure and composition of the Security Council (UNSC)?

Answer 22

The Security Council (UNSC) comprises 15 members: 5 permanent members with veto power (China, France, Russia, UK, USA) and 10 non-permanent members.

Question 23

What are the main functions of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)?

Answer 23

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) coordinates the economic, social, and related work of 15 UN specialized agencies, commissions, and five regional commissions.

Question 24

What are the achievements and contributions of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?

Answer 24

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has made influential rulings that shape international law, including decisions on territorial disputes and the legality of use of force.

Question 25

What is the role of the Secretariat in the United Nations?

Answer 25

The Secretariat carries out the day-to-day work of the UN, administers programs and policies, and coordinates logistical and administrative support to other UN organs.

Question 26

What was the aim of the Trusteeship Council?

Answer 26

The Trusteeship Council aimed to oversee the administration of Trust Territories and facilitate the process of decolonization.

Question 27

What are the institutional challenges faced by the United Nations?

Answer 27

The institutional challenges faced by the United Nations include outdated principles and provisions, lack of transparency, financial and human resource limitations, Western dominance in bureaucracy, a cumbersome amendment process, complexity and size, and differences between the UNSC and UNGA.

Question 28

What is the significance of the Trusteeship Council's suspension of operations in 1994?

Answer 28

The Trusteeship Council suspended its operations after completing its mandate, with the last Trust Territory (Palau) attaining independence in 1994, marking a significant step in the decolonization process.

Question 29

How does the UN's performance in maintaining global peace and security reflect its challenges?

Answer 29

The UN's performance in maintaining global peace and security has been criticized due to ongoing wars, resource reluctance from key members, multipolar instability, varying effectiveness of peacekeeping missions, difficulties in enforcing human rights, challenges in health and humanitarian aid, uneven implementation of environmental protection agreements, and uneven progress on Sustainable Development Goals.

Question 30

What are the criticisms regarding the UN Security Council's structure?

Answer 30

The UN Security Council is criticized for being non-representative due to the veto power of the P5, contrasting with the more decentralized UN General Assembly where each member state has one vote.

Question 31

What is the significance of UN reform according to scholars like Anne-Marie Slaughter and Thomas G. Weiss?

Answer 31

UN reform is advocated to reflect current global power shifts, particularly the rise of nations like India, Brazil, and South Africa, as the unchanged structure of the UNSC since 1945 fails to represent modern global power distribution.

Question 32

How does John Ikenberry describe the shift towards a multipolar world in relation to the UN?

Answer 32

John Ikenberry highlights the necessity for a more inclusive UN system that accommodates emerging powers and regional groupings like the African Union and ASEAN due to the shift towards a multipolar world.

Question 33

What non-traditional security threats does Jessica Tuchman Mathews emphasize for the UN to address?

Answer 33

Jessica Tuchman Mathews underscores the need for the UN to address non-traditional security threats such as climate change, pandemics, and cyber-attacks, particularly highlighted by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Question 34

What do David Bosco and Chandra Lekha Sriram advocate for in terms of UN governance?

Answer 34

David Bosco and Chandra Lekha Sriram call for enhancing the democratic legitimacy and transparency of the UN, especially the UNSC, aligning with liberal international relations theories that advocate for transparent and democratic governance structures.

Question 35

What is the role of the UN in addressing the North-South economic divide according to Amartya Sen and Joseph Stiglitz?

Answer 35

Amartya Sen and Joseph Stiglitz discuss the crucial role of the UN in addressing the North-South economic divide, a perspective supported by dependency theories in international relations.

Question 36

What reforms do Kofi Annan and Shashi Tharoor propose for the UNSC?

Answer 36

Kofi Annan and Shashi Tharoor stress the need for UNSC reform, including proposals for countries like India and Brazil to gain permanent membership and addressing the African Union's call for representation.

Question 37

What structural reform is suggested for the UN Security Council regarding permanent membership?

Answer 37

The suggested structural reform for the UN Security Council includes including countries like India or Brazil as permanent members to provide them with a say in global decisions.

Question 38

What is proposed to enhance the peacekeeping capabilities of the UN?

Answer 38

It is proposed to establish a standing UN peacekeeping force that is ready to be rapidly deployed in crisis situations, similar to NATO's rapid deployment forces, ensuring the force is well-trained and equipped for diverse conflict scenarios.

Question 39

How can the UN improve its bureaucratic efficiency?

Answer 39

The UN can improve its bureaucratic efficiency by adopting electronic processing for documentation and communication, implementing lean management strategies, and reducing paperwork to accelerate decision-making processes.

Question 40

What measures are suggested for financial transparency within the UN?

Answer 40

Measures for financial transparency within the UN include conducting annual independent audits of UN finances, publishing results for public review, and introducing transparent, itemized budgeting processes to track and justify expenditures.

Question 41

What focus areas are suggested for the UN in relation to climate and health?

Answer 41

The suggested focus areas for the UN include creating specialized agencies or expanding existing ones like UNEP or WHO to address climate change and global health issues, along with establishing dedicated funds and cooperative frameworks.

Question 42

What enforcement mechanisms are proposed for human rights violations by the UN?

Answer 42

Proposed enforcement mechanisms for human rights violations by the UN include introducing stricter sanctions or intervention mechanisms, such as travel bans or asset freezes against countries violating human rights, similar to the EU's human rights sanctions regime.

Question 43

What is the role of the United Nations in promoting human rights?

Answer 43

The UN has been a significant force in promoting human rights globally, exemplified by the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, which has shaped human rights discourse worldwide.

Question 44

What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their significance?

Answer 44

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the UN, set a global agenda for development with measurable targets covering areas such as poverty, education, health, and environmental sustainability.

Question 45

How has the UN contributed to global health initiatives?

Answer 45

The World Health Organization (WHO), a UN agency, has been pivotal in addressing global health challenges, including the successful campaign against smallpox and ongoing efforts in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Question 46

What is the significance of the UN's peacekeeping missions?

Answer 46

The UN's peacekeeping missions have been instrumental in mitigating conflicts and maintaining peace in various regions, such as Liberia and East Timor, where they played a crucial role in stabilizing the regions post-conflict.

Question 47

What is the purpose of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)?

Answer 47

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is charged with ensuring international peace and security and recommending the admission of new member states to the UN.

Question 48

What role does the UN play in environmental conservation?

Answer 48

The UN's role in environmental protection and sustainable development is notable, particularly through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and agreements like the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Question 49

How does the UN engage with non-state actors in decision-making?

Answer 49

The UN includes NGOs, civil society, and private sector representatives in advisory roles or special committees, similar to the UN Economic and Social Council's engagement with non-state actors, to broaden perspectives in decision-making.

Question 50

What is the structure of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)?

Answer 50

The UNSC consists of 15 members, including 5 permanent members (P5) with veto power: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

Question 51

What are the main functions of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)?

Answer 51

The main functions of the UNSC include maintaining international peace and security, deploying peacekeeping missions, establishing international sanctions, authorizing military action, mediating disputes, and recommending new members to the General Assembly.

Question 52

What is the significance of the veto power held by the permanent members of the UNSC?

Answer 52

The veto power allows the permanent members (P5) to block any substantive resolution, which can lead to significant contention and inaction on critical issues, including those involving their own actions or those of allies.

Question 53

What are the criticisms regarding the representation and legitimacy of the UNSC?

Answer 53

The current composition of the UNSC is criticized for not reflecting the contemporary global power structure, with calls for countries like India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan to gain permanent seats to better represent current global dynamics.

Question 54

What issues contribute to the ineffectiveness of the UNSC?

Answer 54

The ineffectiveness of the UNSC is often attributed to political deadlocks caused by conflicting interests among P5 members, leading to inaction on critical issues such as the Syrian Civil War.

Question 55

Why does India advocate for reform of the UNSC?

Answer 55

India advocates for UNSC reform to address representation and equity, arguing that the current structure is outdated and does not reflect the significant role of countries like India in international affairs.

Question 56

What is the significance of India's economic and demographic stature in global governance?

Answer 56

India's economic and demographic stature is seen as warranting a more significant role in global decision-making forums like the UNSC, given it is one of the world's largest economies and the second-most populous country.

Question 57

How do India's peacekeeping contributions justify its role in the UNSC?

Answer 57

India has been one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, and its longstanding commitment to international peace and security underscores its case for a permanent seat in the UNSC.

Question 58

How do India's peacekeeping contributions justify its role in the UNSC?

Answer 58

India has been one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, and its longstanding commitment to peacekeeping is cited as a justification for a greater role in the Council, where peacekeeping decisions are made.

Question 59

What role does India's nuclear power status play in its bid for UNSC membership?

Answer 59

As a nuclear-armed state, India's participation in the UNSC would add to the Council's credibility in dealing with nuclear proliferation and disarmament issues.

Question 60

What are the G-4 countries advocating for in relation to the UNSC?

Answer 60

The G-4 countries, Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan, advocate for United Nations Security Council reform, pushing for permanent seats to better reflect 21st-century geopolitical realities and argue that the current structure fails to represent today's global power balance.

Question 61

What is the Coffee Club's stance on UNSC expansion?

Answer 61

The Coffee Club, or Uniting for Consensus (UfC) group, opposes the expansion of permanent seats in the UNSC, arguing that it would deepen the democratic deficit and prefers adding non-permanent seats for wider accessibility and rotation.

Question 62

How do India's democratic credentials contribute to its bid for UNSC membership?

Answer 62

India's democratic system of governance adds to its credibility as a responsible actor in international affairs, often presented as a counterweight to authoritarian states in Asia.

Question 63

What is the significance of India's active international engagement for its UNSC bid?

Answer 63

India's active involvement in various international platforms, including the G20, BRICS, and the Non-Aligned Movement, demonstrates its commitment to multilateralism, which is significant for its bid for UNSC membership.

Question 64

How does India's diverse and pluralistic society support its role in global governance?

Answer 64

India's diverse and pluralistic society is seen as a microcosm of the world, making it well-equipped to understand and address a variety of global issues, which supports its role in global governance.

Question 65

What is the importance of India's counter-terrorism experience in the context of the UNSC?

Answer 65

India's experiences with cross-border terrorism and its initiatives in counter-terrorism are cited as valuable for the UNSC's role in addressing global security challenges.

Question 66

What support has India garnered for its bid for UNSC membership?

Answer 66

India has garnered support for its bid from several countries, including the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and many others, reflecting its global standing.

Question 67

What is the significance of India's inclusion as a permanent member of the UNSC according to C. Raja Mohan?

Answer 67

C. Raja Mohan argues for India's inclusion as a permanent member of the UNSC due to India's significant role in global affairs, both economically and strategically, as well as its extensive contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.

Question 68

What are the arguments regarding the veto power in the UNSC as discussed by Rajesh Rajagopalan?

Answer 68

Rajesh Rajagopalan discusses the contentious nature of the veto power and advocates for either its abolition or limitation to democratize the Council's decision-making process.

Question 69

What does Hardeep Singh Puri emphasize regarding regional representation in the UNSC?

Answer 69

Hardeep Singh Puri emphasizes the need for better regional representation in the UNSC, including not just India, but also other underrepresented regions like Africa and Latin America.

Question 70

What reforms in working methods of the UNSC have been called for by experts like Meena Singh Roy?

Answer 70

Experts like Meena Singh Roy have called for more transparency and inclusivity in the UNSC's working methods, criticizing the Council for being opaque and dominated by a few major powers.

Question 71

What contemporary challenges does Happymon Jacob suggest the UNSC needs to address?

Answer 71

Happymon Jacob highlights the need for the UNSC to evolve in addressing contemporary global challenges such as terrorism, cyber threats, and climate change, emphasizing the need for the Council to adapt its scope and approach to remain relevant.

Question 72

What is the composition of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?

Answer 72

The ICJ is composed of 15 judges who are elected by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council, with each judge serving a term of nine years and no two judges being nationals of the same country.

Question 73

What is the concept of voluntary jurisdiction in the ICJ?

Answer 73

The ICJ can only hear cases when the states involved accept its jurisdiction, either through prior treaty commitments or on a case-by-case basis, often including compromissory clauses in international treaties that confer jurisdiction to the ICJ for disputes related to the treaty.

Question 74

What are the limitations and challenges of the ICJ's voluntary jurisdiction?

Answer 74

The ICJ's voluntary jurisdiction respects state sovereignty but limits its capacity to adjudicate disputes without states' consent.

Question 75

What role does the ICJ play in inter-state disputes?

Answer 75

The ICJ acts as a formal venue for legal dispute resolution between states, mediating disputes and influencing international norms and standards.

Question 76

How does the ICJ promote international law?

Answer 76

The ICJ promotes the use of legal mechanisms over military or unilateral actions in dispute resolution, enhancing the application and respect for international law.

Question 77

What are the challenges faced by the ICJ regarding access and representation?

Answer 77

Smaller states may find it challenging to engage with the ICJ due to limited resources or perceived biases towards more influential nations, affecting the court's impartiality and accessibility.

Question 78

What is the significance of the ICJ's binding judgments?

Answer 78

The ICJ's judgments are legally binding, but their enforcement depends on the UN Security Council and the cooperation of states, as seen in the Avena case.

Question 79

What is the effect of political considerations on ICJ rulings?

Answer 79

ICJ rulings can be influenced by international politics, exemplified by the U.S. rejecting the ICJ's ruling in the Nicaragua v. United States case due to geopolitical interests.

Question 80

What is the role of the UN in diplomatic mediation?

Answer 80

The UN plays a key role in mediating peace talks, exemplified by its involvement in the Colombia peace process, which resulted in a 2016 agreement ending a decades-long conflict.

Question 81

What are the limitations of the UN in ending wars?

Answer 81

The UN's effectiveness in conflict resolution is often limited by reliance on member states, political deadlocks among permanent members of the Security Council, lack of enforcement power, and the complex nature of modern conflicts.

Question 82

How does the UN provide humanitarian aid in conflict zones?

Answer 82

The UN, through agencies like UNICEF and the World Food Programme, provides crucial humanitarian assistance in conflict zones, which is essential for mitigating the impacts of war.

Question 83

What challenges does the UN face in the Yemen and Syria conflicts?

Answer 83

In Yemen and Syria, the UN has struggled to achieve lasting resolutions due to political complexities, regional rivalries, and the involvement of various armed factions.

Question 84

What is the significance of setting international norms by the UN?

Answer 84

The UN contributes to the development of international laws and norms that guide conflict resolution, such as regulations around war crimes, which can deter the escalation of conflicts.