Global governance- Political Flashcards
(27 cards)
1
Q
describe IGOs
A
- a group of members (sovereign states, countries) working together on issues of mutual self-interest to negotiate and form agreements by consent
= UN and EU
2
Q
describe UN structure
A
- general assembly= every nation state in GA has 1 vote= democratic and upholds Westphalian sov
- ICJ= judicial branch of nation state vs nation state
- Security council= permanent 5 (UK, CHINA, RUSSIA, USA, FRANCE) have veto= unequal power
- Economic and social council= made of 54 nation states elected every 3 years by UNGA
3
Q
describe UN funding
A
- 2024 overall spending= $53.59 billion
- US pay 22% of UN budget as it has the largest economy (23.6% of global economy GDP)= proportional
- voluntary contributions of WHO
- during COVID US withdrew funding to WHO
- US pay $9.7 billion, UK= $3 billion, Germany= $3.4 billion
4
Q
describe UN agencies
A
- UNICEF= 2023, helped 36 mil people get access to safe water, 9.3 mil children got life-saving treatment for severe malnutrition, 27 mil kids got vaccines against measles in emergency context
- UNIFIL= UN peacekeeping mission established 1978 to monitor hostilities, support Lebanese armed forces, and ensure humanitarian access in southern Lebanon, with a mandate to confirm Israeli withdrawal and assist the Lebanese government in restoring its authority
= during 2006 war between Israel and Hazbullah, UNIFIL increased the number of peacekeepers to a maximum of 15,000
5
Q
describe UN charter
A
- made in 1945 after WW2 as countries wanted to protect HRs and re-stabilise infrastructure etc
= multilateral treaty that sets out UN powers within international law - Chapter VII Article 42= military action and force is allowed if peaceful means have been unsuccessful
= used in 2011 Libya= violence escalated as Gaddafi’s forces attacked civilians in anti-gov protests
= UNSC viewed this as a threat to international peace and security
= authorised military intervention to protect civilians and enforce a no-fly zone over Libya
= led to a NATO-led coalition conducting airstrikes against Gaddafi’s forces
6
Q
describe UN membership
A
- 2025= 193 member states
- all members are equal and ‘UN should not intervene in matters which are within jurisdiction of any state’
= nothing can forced on states= Westphalian sovereignty upheld
7
Q
current issues faced under UN
A
- wants to decrease environmental damage
= organises international environmental summits like 1997 Kyoto prodigal and 2015 Paris climate agreement - uphold and protect HRs= UN HRs Council is elected body that monitors and records breaches of HRs= soft power
- wants to limit spread of nuclear weapons= Treaty of Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons 1968= states agreed not to acquire nuts and not share any it already had= 4 UN members didn’t sign
- peace and security= humanitarian intervention and aid in Somalia 1993 and Rwanda 1994
- promoting sustainable development= expanded role in sustainable development and decreasing global poverty
= Millennium Development Goals agreed @ Millennium summit 2000
= higher focus on making MDGs more sustainable development goals
8
Q
successes of UN
A
- intervention of peacekeeping creates new means of conflict management
- giant strides in feeding the starving, sheltering the dispossessed and immunising against disease
- fostering cooperative environment of peacemaking in respect of civil conflicts= ICJ
- implementation of international agendas on social, economic and development issues including women, children, climate change etc
9
Q
failures of UN
A
- failure to respond to large scale atrocity crimes in Rwanda, Balkans and Syria
= failed to stop genocide in Rwanda= 800,000 died - bypassing security council in 2003 Iraq invasion as it rejected UN law
- allegations of sexual assault from UN aid agencies and staff
- failure to meet economic and development targets identified in global agenda conferences
- security system paralysed by disagreement and vetoes
10
Q
describe UNGA
A
- where all 193 members are represented= acts as a ‘parliament of nations’ that can make decisions w a 2 third majority
= allows a voice for all members - approves UN budget and allocates funds to organisation’s various bodies, agencies and peacekeeping missions
- elects ICJ judges
- can adopt resolutions on a wide range of topics like peace and security, international law, disarmament, HRs etc
= not law binding but influence global norms and serve as a basis for international conventions and treaties
11
Q
adv of UNGA
A
- ‘one country, one vote’= enshrines principle of equality to give assembly high levels of legitimacy
- all members can explain concerns, issues etc on poverty to climate change
= allows relations to grow between states, encourages cooperation and helps states that need aid etc - provides a universal platform for all 193 member states to voice their concerns= essential for addressing key issues
- can set moral and political standards that guide state behaviour
= 1948 declaration of HRs (not legally binding) laid framework for modern HRs law and has influenced many international treaties like Europeans convention on HRs - has advanced sustainable development through its adoption of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDGs
= galvanised global cooperation on issues like poverty and climate change to provide a shared framework for action by Govs and civil society etc - serves as important forum for diplomatic engagement
= annual general debate allows all leaders to present their views o international challenges
= inclusivity ensures concerns of nations are voiced, fostering a sense of global solidarity
= 1960 debate was the “Year of Africa” Debate where 17 new African nations joined UN
= debate centred around the struggles for independence, self-determination, and the fight against colonialism
= newly independent African nations voiced strong support for decolonisation, leading to a broader shift in global diplomacy
= debate laid foundation for eventual establishment of the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation and paved the way for discussions on racial equality, self-determination, and international law in the coming years
12
Q
disadv of UNGA
A
- ‘one country, one vote’ doesn’t recognise diff size of populations or capabilities of states= is it fair due to diff impacts per state
- decisions and resolutions are only recommendations= not binding unlike UNSC which can pass legally enforceable resolutions
= member states can refuse to comply= can be seen to lack power
= led critics to argue its a forum for debate rather than action as it lacks power to make a tangible impact on international conflict or crisis’
= e.g UNGA’s various resolutions against nuclear weapons such as calling for nuclear disarmament, hasn’t compelled nuclear powers to dismantle their arsenals - been accused of bloc voting
13
Q
describe UNSC
A
- most powerful UN body with primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security
- made up of 15 members= 10 others who are elected ever 2 years
- permanent 5 have right to veto any resolution they disagree with
= France and UK haven’t used veto since 1989, US used it 92 times since 1945
= 2003 U.S vetoed a resolution that would have opposed military action in Iraq, arguing that the situation required action to disarm Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction - issue binding resolutions in international law that all members must abide by
- set up peace talks and require ceasefire to enable humanitarian assistance
- oversees peacekeeping missions where UN troops flown to conflict zones
- issue economic sanctions and call upon other UN members to adopt them
- authorise military action= HARD POWER
14
Q
adv of UNSC
A
- by granting P5 veto it ensures most powerful states participate in UN work
- rapidly respond to global crosses as it can meet in short notice to address urgent threats to peace and stability
- high legitimacy over decisions through collective agreement which represent global community
= decisions are supported by a broad consensus
= UNSC authorised deployment of a peacekeeping force to Sierra Leone after years of civil conflict
= decision had strong collective support and legitimacy, as it reflected a broader international consensus on the importance of peace building and conflict resolution in Africa - has strong peacekeeping and resolution capabilities through its ability to deploy peacekeeping forces, monitor ceasefires and facilitate peace agreements in regions
= UNSC authorised UNMIL in 2003 to help implement the peace agreement and maintain stability
= mission helped disarm over 100,000 combatants, supported the rebuilding of gov institutions, and facilitated humanitarian aid
= played a crucial role in helping Liberia transition to peace and democracy after years of conflict
= proved UN ability to mobilise resources quickly and respond effectively to humanitarian crisis’ and conflicts
15
Q
disadv of UNSC
A
- veto of P5 creates a gridlock where necessary and meaningful action is blocked due to geopolitical interests
= single veto can reject a resolution even if supported by majority UNGA or security council
= failure to address Syrian war as Russia was a key ally of Syrian gov= used its veto many times to block resolutions aimed @ condemning president al- Assad’s regime
= allowed conflict to continue= more than 580,000 people were killed and 13 million Syrians being displaced
= veto can paralyse decision making when major powers are deeply involved in conflict - lacks representation and legitimacy as P5 structure reflects post WW2 global order but doesn’t reflect contemporary distribution of power in global politics
= emerging powers like Japan, Brazil and India don’t hold P5 position despite large economic and political influence
= means that global south feel marginalised in critical international decision making processes
= 2007 UNSC considered resolution to impose sanctions on Sudan and deploy peacekeeping forces in the Darfur region in response to ongoing atrocities, including genocide, committed by Sudanese gov forces BUT China vetoed due to strong economic and political ties with Sudan (oil interests) - responses to crisises are inconsistent and selective as largely driven by P5 interests
= creates perception of bias and double standards in how UNSC choses to act or not act - ineffective resolutions and sanctions in achieving their goals
= enforcement of sanctions is often weak and compliance of other states is inconsistent
= countries like North Korea and Venezuela have had sanctions implemented but have resulted in little political reform on leadership etc= general population suffers most most economic sanctions and higher prices
= 2006 UNSC put sanctions on North Korea due to its nuclear programme= sanctions targeted North Korea’s access to weapons, luxury goods and financial resources critical to its nuclear activities
BUT even though economy has been hurt, nuclear regime still continues - UNSC can be bypassed when powerful member states act unilaterally
= in build up to Iraq war, UK and US sought UNSC approval for military intervention against Iraq, alleging Hussen’s regime to hold WMDs= made UNSC divided as France, Russia and China opposed military action, arguing there should be more time for inspections but US and UK bypassed UNSC and invaded Iraq in 2003= undermined legitimacy of UNSC and exposed its inability to prevent major powers from acting independently of its decisions
16
Q
describe ECOSOC
A
- responsible for UN’s economic, social and environmental efforts
- 54 members voted by UNGA for a 3 year term
- primary role is to promote international economic and social cooperation to advance UN’s sustainable development agenda
- provides a platform for NGOs, IGOs and private sector to contribute to global development strategies
= its meetings are attended by non-state actors= offers space for dialogue w Govs to tackle global challenges - reviews and monitors SDGs progress
- coordinates work of UN specialised agencies like WHO
= provide policy guidance and collaborative efforts among members states to meet global development targets
17
Q
describe the ICJ
A
- principal judicial organ of the UN eight the purpose of settling legal disputes between states and providing advisory opinions on international legal matters
- composed of 15 judges elected for 9 year terms by UNGA and UNSC= ensures geographical representation
- MAIN POWERS= settle disputes and issue advisory opinions on legal questions= help clarify international law and guide actions of UN and member states
18
Q
disadv of ICJ
A
- states must consent to its jurisdiction for disputes to be heard and for rulings to be enforced
= if a state refuses to recognise court’s authority there are few mechanisms to compel compliance
= 1986, ICJ ruled that US had violated international law by supporting Contra rebels in Nicaragua BUT US rejected court’s jurisdiction and refused to comply with the ruling
= shows that powerful states can ignore ICJ decisions when it conflicts with their national interest - advisory opinions are non-binding= states can ignore them wo facing legal consequences
= undermines court’s ability to act as a decisive force resolving international conflicts
= in response to Ukraine’s claim of genocide in 2022, ICJ issued an advisory opinion that ordered Russia to immediately halt its military operations in Ukraine
= BUT despite the ruling, Russia refused to comply and continued its invasion
19
Q
adv of ICJ
A
- ICJ rulings often carry significant moral and political weight
= creates pressure for states to comply
= ICJ ruled that Japan’s whaling programme in 2014 was not for scientific research and ordered Japan to halt the practice
= Japan complied with ruling by suspending whaling activities in Antarctic= proves ICJ’s ability to influence powerful states - court’s judgements set important legal precedents that influence international relations and behaviour of states
20
Q
describe NATO
A
- an alliance of countries from Europe and North America founded in 1949 in aftermath of WW2
- become central pillar of global security
- primary goal was to create a collective defence mechanism to counter growing threat posed by Soviet Union and communism in Cold War
- key principles based on mutual defence (article 5) which states an armed attack against one member could be considered an attack against all
= provision aimed to deter aggression from Soviet Union
= providing a security umbrella - modern goals to combat terrorism, promote cybersecurity and conduct peacekeeping missions
21
Q
structure of NATO
A
- originally only 12 members, now 31 (Finland 2023 and Sweden 2024)= evolved membership and scope of missions
- NAC is central decision making body that consists of all member state representatives
= makes decisions by consensus= means all members must agree before action is taken - NATO itself doesn’t have standing armed forces, instead relies on contributions of member states but still coordinates contributions of members who provide personnel, equipment and resources for joint missions
22
Q
NATO’s change over the years
A
- after dissolution of soviet union, NATO shifted focus away from traditional Cold War collective defence priorities
- crisis management
- promote stability in Eastern Europe
- partnerships and cooperation= built new relationships with former adversaries like Russia through initiatives like PfP program launched in 1994 which offered non-member states to cooperate with NATO on security issues
- Kosovo 1999= NATO intervened again in balkans during Kosovo war by launching Operation Allied Force to prevent ethnic cleansing by Serbian forces from Kosovo
= proved that NATO expanded missions of traditional defence and instead moved towards humanitarian based intervention - NATO used article 5 for first time in response to 9/11 attack in 2001= means that an attack on one is an attack on all
= led to deployment of troops to Afghanistan - NATO took command of international security assistance force in Afghanistan 2003-2014
= its mission was to stabilise afghan, rebuild institutions and train afghan security forces - NATO strongly condemned Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, declaring it illegal
= in response NATO expanded its military force in Eastern Europe like Poland and baltic states
= NATO suspended all cooperation with Russia= increased tensions - Russian invasion of Ukraine 2022 set a new, major core defence for NATO
= Putin blamed NATO to justify his invasion as he argued NATO expanded too close to Russian borders since Cold War
= NATO immediately condemned the invasion as a violation of international law
= 2022 US and NATO European members supplied weapons, financial support and humanitarian support to Ukraine resist Russian forces
= reinforced NATO’s central mission of collective defence - after Ukraine invasion NATO members massively increased defence budget
= e.g. Germany used to be resistant to high defence and hard power spending instead focusing on diplomacy
BUT after invasion, pledged to immediately inject $100 billion into its defence budget and Poland boosted spending on defence to 3% of GDP
23
Q
criticisms of NATO
A
2018 and 2024 trump heavily criticised NATO’s funding= criticised European allies for not meeting their defence spending commitments e.g. 2014 defence investment pledge of member states to spend 2% of GDP on defence
= 2021, US spent 3.52% GDP on defence, UK=2.29% vs Luxembourg only 0.5%
BUT in response, by 2019, 9 other countries met or exceeded their defence target
- Trump named NATO ‘obsolete’ in 2016 presidential campaign
= raised concerns about US’ alliance with NATO
24
Q
NATO’s membership expansion
A
- war in Ukraine prompted dramatic shift in security policies of European countries like Finland and Sweden who sought NATO membership
- Finland joined in 2023 as it shares a border with Russia which spiked fears of potential Russian aggression
= wanted NATO’s collective defence - Sweden joined 2024 due to similar fear of Russian aggression
- new membership brings larger military forces into the alliance
- Finland enhances NATO’s ability to defend its north and eastern flanks due to its strategic location on Russian border
= further isolated Russia
25
NATO has lost it's purpose
- as it was built to counter Soviet Union during Cold War, soviet union dissolved in 1991, some argue NATO's primary purpose no longer exists
= leaves NATO w a lack of adversary, making missions less focused
= shown w US becoming increasingly concerned w China
- NATO's expansion into previous soviet territories like Baltic states and Poland has been controversial
= this has diluted NATO's core mission by adding members that bring security risks and complicating decision-making process
- Russia has cited NATO as a key source of tension and conflict
= NATO has caused conflict rather than prevent it
= Ukraine invasion 2022
- overextended itself by engaging in operations far from its original purpose of defending Europe
= involved in conflicts outside of traditional European sphere e.g. Libya and Afghanistan
- strategic priorities of members have diverged in recent decades
= eastern Europe focuses on concerns w Russia vs Western Europe and US more focused on terrorism and geopolitical threat of china
= divergence complicated NATO's ability to act coherently
26
NATO hasn't lost its purpose
- collective defence (NATO's core principle in article 5) has been successful to prevent Russian aggression against NATO members
= NATO has increased its military force in the eastern flank since the Ukraine invasion= shown its commitment to protect member states
= the Enhanced Forward Presence initiative deployed multinational battalions to Poland, Baltic states and other eastern European members to deter further Russian advances
- NATO's ability to rapidly respond to Ukraine crisis clearly shows its effectiveness in ensuring European security
= military aid to Ukraine and increased deployment of troops have been crucial in preventing Russia from threatening NATO members any further
= its effectiveness convinced Finland ad Sweden to join in 2023 and 2024 despite Russia warning against it
- has successfully extended its mission beyond state-on-state conflicts to address emerging, modern threats of cyber attacks, terrorism and hybrid warfare
= response to 9/11 in 2001 by triggering article 5 and leading ISAF in Afghanistan= shows it ability to counter-terrorism efforts
- developed comprehensive strategies to protect its members from cyberattacks which have become a component of modern warfare
= alliance's Cyber Defence Pledge (2016) and integration of cybersecurity into its defence strategies show NATO's evolving capabilities in addressing non-conventional threats
= ability to adapt to new forms of warfare proves its continued relevance
- helped to promote peace and stability across Europe particularly in volatile Balkans
= humanity aid= Pakistan earthquake relief operation in 2005-2006
= NATO led the Kosovo Force (KFOR) since June 1999, aiming to deter renewed hostilities, establish a secure environment, ensure public safety and order, and to support the international humanitarian effort
27
NATO is ineffective
- failed to prevent Russian aggression in Europe
= annexation of Crimea 2014 and subsequent invasion in 2022 highlights NATO's limitations in stopping non-members from being attacked
= Putin justified invasion due to NATO expansion
= Russias continued interference in Eastern Europe e.g. support for separatist movements and cyberattacks on NATO members like Estonia
= raises questions about NATO's ability to deter hybrid threats
- diverse membership has led to a lack of shared commitment and vision of members
= Eastern Europe focus on threat of Russia while west and US focus on threat of china, terrorism etc
- alliance has divided and weakened due to issue of burden-sharing
= Trump called NATO 'obsolete' and questioned US commitment to the alliance if European nations didn't increase their defence budgets
= some did increase it in response to war but US still faces highly disproportionality large share of the alliance's military expenditure
= trump threatens leave
- NATO's role has overextended too far beyond traditional mandate
- NATO helped expand women’s rights and education in Afghanistan (2001–2021) but its mission failed to ensure lasting stability
= after NATO’s withdrawal, Taliban regained control in 2021
= rolling back 20 years of human rights progress, especially for women and minorities
= failure showed that NATO struggles with nation-building and long-term human rights protection= non-binding due to sov of state and leader
