Relevance of the UN

Question 1

UN is becoming less relevant (Unilateral Action)

Answer 1

USA took unilateral action against Iraq after 9/11

UN initially support as had evidence of nuclear weapons, however this existence was proved wrong

USA still took action

No sancitons

Question 2

Unilateral action against Russia

Answer 2

EU, Norway, USA, Australia, Canada put in place sanctions when annexed Crimea, now more severe with Ukraine invasion

23 politicians + oligarchs had assets frozen + unable to travel to the countries involved

Done as UN didn’t take action with the war, likely because Russia is a perm member of UN and China, who is allied with Russia

Question 3

Why is unilateral action more/ less effective than UN?

Answer 3

Sanctions can be put in place quicker by individual countries, however, Russia able to avoid some sanctions by importing goods through Georgia

Unilateral action only fully effective if all countries involved, so this suggests UN still relevant as only UN action would fully stop avoidance of sanctions

Question 4

UN intervention in DROC

Answer 4

Organised democratic elections in Congo + launched military operations against rebel groups since 1999

Made Uganda give compensation for exploitation of Congo’s resources

However, many disagree that it’s not effective as failed to stop mass rape of women and slaughter of civilians by rebel groups

Also, left Congo reliant on external forces to keep stability, hasn’t done any sustainable help

Question 5

Iran tarde embargo

Answer 5

Stopped import/ export of weapons due to fear of Iran’s nuclear programs

Stopped countries importing oil from Iran e.g. Turkey 50% oil from Iran