Premium Essay

United Nations in the Next Century

In:

Submitted By ujjaal
Words 1948
Pages 8
UN : THE NEXT CENTURY

CHAPTER - 1 : INTRODUCTION

“More than ever before in human history, we share a common destiny. We can master it only if we face it together. And that is why we have the United Nations” - Kofi Annan

1. The United Nations officially came into existence on 24 October 1945, when the UN Charter had been ratified by a majority of the original 51 Member States. The day is now celebrated each year around the world as United Nations Day.

2. The purpose of the United Nations is to bring all nations of the world together to work for peace and development, based on the principles of justice, human dignity and the well-being of all people. It affords the opportunity for countries to balance global interdependence and national interests when addressing international problems.

3. There are currently 192 Members of the United Nations. They meet in the General Assembly, which is the closest thing to a world parliament. Each country, large or small, rich or poor, has a single vote, however, none of the decisions taken by the Assembly are binding. Nevertheless, the Assembly's decisions become resolutions that carry the weight of world governmental opinion.

4 he United Nations Headquarters is in New York City but the land and buildings are international territory. The United Nations has its own flag, its own post office and its own postage stamps. Six official languages are used at the United Nations - Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. The UN European Headquarters is in the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.

5. The UN is not an independent, homogeneous organization; it is made up of sovereign states, so actions by the UN depend on the will of Member States, to accept, fund or carry them out. Especially in matters of peace-keeping and international politics, it requires a complex, often slow, process of

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

The Civil War

...October 21, 2012 Kathy Buhe Civil War Paper The mid-19th century is a historic period in the history of the United States, one that shaped the nation we now know. In the year 1861, the tension that had long been brewing between the north and south exploded and led the nation to war. The catalyst was Abraham Lincoln’s victory in the presidential election. As an anti-slavery Republican, the southern states feared his agenda and chose to secede from the Union. The Confederate States of America was formed and the refusal of said states to rejoin the Union led to a Civil War, neighbor against neighbor, each fighting for what they believed to be right. The four years of the war were costly, both in monetary value and lives lost; and the effects were long lasting, shaping the nation into what it would become and stand for, even over a century later. The Civil War, often referred to as The War Between the States, lasted four years, from 1861-1865, and shaped the nation of America into what it currently is. Historian Shelby Foote spent a great deal of time researching this monumental period of American history to pen her famous civil war narrative. Foote believed that the Civil War defined the nation and that to understand the character of America, it is important to study this war. What I believe Foote meant was that the nation was at a crossroads. It was deeply divided and no longer could it continue on as such. Either the nation would have to abolish slavery, or fully embrace it. However...

Words: 991 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Imperalism

...1 AMERICAN IMPERALISM 19TH CENTURY HIS204 AMERICAN HISTORY SINCE 1865 INSTRUCTOR: JOSEPH SCAHILL AUGUST 16, 2010 VANESSA HARVEY 2 AMERICAN IMPERIALISM 19TH CENTURY Imperialism played a huge part in the economics of large industrial or military – powerful nation and even the world economy in the last two centuries. Imperialism has benefited the citizens of the imperial nations, including the United States by expanding foreign commerce and thereby helping the domestic economics of each nation. By having control over lands overseas a nation can have more output for itself and foreign trade, It exports would be greater than its imports; therefore by increasing its wealth. For many imperial nations, control over a land meant more than domination. It means repression and brutality as in the case with Britain, even the United States particularly in the Philippines. Throughout the 19th century, Americans expanded their influence across the continent through the West Ward movement. Although sovereign Native American nations were suppressed and even eliminated in the process, America was not acting as an “imperial power.” At the start of the 19th century, Imperial China, under the Qing dynasty, represented a stable and prosperous nation. There was no reason to believe that the next hundred years would change that, yet the start of the next century, the dynasty had rendered powerless, and the armies of various Western powers were descending on Peking to...

Words: 604 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Military Power

...United States of America: Dominating the World Military Powers Since the beginning of time, the strength of the World Leaders is directly affected by the strength of its military. It is nearly impossible for a Nation to be a world “power house” without the strength of a dominating military force. This statement holds truth when you look at the United States military and how it has shaped the balance of the United States’ influence throughout the world. Although the United States military force has constantly changed over the years; it still remains as the driving force behind the machine known as the United States. America’s military force has always been a threat, and began to emerge to the forefront during the 20th century; it wasn’t until the turn of the 21st century that its true power was exerted. This paper will discuss: America’s rise to military “glory” during the 20th century, its present state, and what must be done in order to preserve it status as a world power in the future. Rise to Military Dominance At the turn of the 21st century, the United States military was at a standstill in terms of military action; especially when compared to the 20th century. The 20th Century was the “bloodiest, costliest century of warfare in human history”; with major conflicts happening seemingly every day. World War I and II, a large number of major revolutions; along with significant social, political, and economic upheavals made the period from 1901 to 2000 of great importance...

Words: 891 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Origins of Islam in America

...of Islam in America Trevor Pace A00763129 It seems that when it comes to the first Muslims in America it is a little unclear, however several sources that I found believe that it was first in the 12th century and ties in with the voyage of Columbus. “The Navigator of Columbus, who during the famous voyage, brought along a copy of a travel narrative written by Portuguese Muslims who had sailed to the New World in the 12th century. The narrative by al-Idrisi was called "The Sea of Tears"”. (Ahari, 1998) Next during the 14th century with Muslims that came from the Senegabian region of Africa, “It is believed they were Moors, expelled from Spain, who made their way to the Caribbean and possibly to the Gulf of Mexico” (Cowan, 2006) Then with the 16th century with Istafan, the Arab, “who was a guide for the Spanish that wished to settle the area that would later be called Arizona in 1539”. (Ahari, 1998) The next major instance of Islam in America happened with slavery in the 18th century. This is the first real wave of Muslims in America as it is said that “Historians estimate that between 15 to 30 percent of all enslaved African men, and less than 15 percent of the enslaved African women, were Muslims” (Samuel S. Hill, 2005). Next in the late 19th and early 20th century Muslim immigrants from the Middle East, particularly from Syria and Lebanon, arrived in large numbers. “Many were settling in Ohio, Michigan, Iowa and even the Dakotas. Like most other migrants they were seeking...

Words: 1120 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Nations Have Always Existed

...Anglophone Socio-cultural Environment “Nations have always existed” Mihaela Vasileva Savova Matriculation № 025067 17.05.2004 In my opinion this statement-“Nations have always existed”-is not true. There are several stages of the human evolution until the word “nation” appears as a term. In fact these stages are three - ethnos, nationality and nation. “Nation” is the last level of social development. My thesis is based on historical evidences and views of famous historians. The conclusion I made, after getting acquainted with some sources, is that nations have developed during the XVth or XVIth century, more precisely after the Great French Bourgeois Revolution in 1789. The nation is not the first step in human development. According to Professor Lachesar Dachev’s textbook “Studies for the state”: “The humans form many and different unions. The most general and basic is the “ethnos”. … The ethnos is the first and the original characteristic of every man. There is no man without an ethnos.” Another definition of ethnos is made by J.V.Bromlay and V.I.Kozlov: “The ethnos is strange historically formed kind of social group of people, united form of their existence. It is set up and develops in natural-historical way; it does not depend on the resolution of the individuals in it and is capable of existence in many centuries thanks to its reproduction.” The first kind of ethnical union is the tribe. Tribes are formed on the base of blood relationship which is...

Words: 788 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

The Next 100 Years Review

...Liberty University The Next 100 Years A Forecast for the 21st Century Elizabeth Klimkowski 9/27/12 The United States is the most powerful country in the world. In “The Next 100 Years” by George Friedman, the author’s main thesis was that the most powerful forces a country can have is geography and demographics, and to use those forces to undermine political policies of other countries. He also spoke about the five main goals of the American hegemon. These are very important when discussing the future of America’s power and the globe. Friedman’s thesis is very important to keep in mind when thinking about America’s future. He writes about how America is very geographically sound. It is surrounded by water on almost all sides and the Unites States has the naval power to maintain protection on its sea side borders. The only thing America might be concerned about is the Mexican border. When writing about the Mexican border, Freidman talks about the borderland which is the space where the lines of the country have been interchanged multiple times (83-84). In most cases people have strong ties to their mother country when living in another country and the migration is both ways (84). With this borderland this is not the case. Mexicans coming to America think of where they are living as occupied territory and there is no equal migration from America to Mexico (84). This aspect of his thesis is true. Unless there are tremendous changes Americans will never want to move...

Words: 1405 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Global Warming

...Copenhagen through Dec. 18, 2009, President Obama and other leaders announced on Nov. 15 what had already become evident — that no formal treaty could be produced anytime soon. Instead, the leaders pledged to reach a placeholder accord that would call for reductions in emissions and increased aid to help developing nations adapt to a changing climate and get access to non-polluting energy options. This would in theory give the nations more time to work out the all-important details. Negotiators would then seek a binding global agreement in 2010, complete with firm emission targets, enforcement mechanisms and specific dollar amounts to aid poorer nations. At the heart of the debate is a momentous tussle between rich and poor countries over who steps up first and who pays most for changed energy menus. Read More... Within the United States, Congress is similarly fighting over legislation on climate change. The House in the summer of 2009 passed a bill outlining a cap-and-trade system that could, over the next few decades, lead to an early end to conventional use of coal and oil, fuels that have underpinned prosperity and growth for more than a century. But between stiff opposition from energy interests and the overwhelming...

Words: 1940 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Comunist China

...Communist China * Browse essays using search option * Access free essay links resource page * Need help with paper writing services? * Bookmark our site for future reference Communism in an Economically Developing China The future of communism in China is unknown, as the world economy becomes more international. Communism has been in China since 1949 and is still present in the country’s activities. Presently China is undergoing incredible economic growth and promises to be a dominant power early in the next century. China’s social tradition has come under heavy pressure from forces of modernization generated in a large part by the sustained contact with the West that began in the middle of the nineteenth century. The Western incursion, not only refined China militarily but brought in its course new ideas- nationalism, science and technology, and innovations in politics, philosophy, and art. Chinese leaders have sought to preserve the nation’s cultural uniqueness by promoting specifically Chinese blends of tradition and modernity. China has undergone several major political transformations from a feudal-like system in early historical times, to a centralized bureaucratic empire that lasted through many unpredictable changes till 1911, to a republic with a communist form of government in the mainland since 1949. Economic geography and population pressure help account for the traditionally controlling role of the state in China. The constant indispensability...

Words: 2617 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

The Us Versus China: Who Shall Have Dominance in the Pacific Ocean?

...Christopher Wade HIS220 March 5th, 2016 Will Palmer The United States versus China: Who shall have dominance in the Pacific Ocean? In the twenty-first century, there has been an escalation of naval supremacy in the Pacific Ocean. World War Two had been a proving ground for American maritime dominance. The United States Navy has reigned in the Asia-Pacific waters since the dropping of the H-Bomb on Hiroshima. Yet, the proud nation of China is ready to show that they are ready to see who has the true right to rule. The escalating conflict between China and Japan influenced U.S. relations with both nations. From the onset American officials viewed China with equivocation. They opposed Japan’s incursions into northeast China because of their longstanding friendship with the Chinese. Yet, some still believed that there was no vital interest worth going to war with Japan over. Moreover, the civil war in China left policymakers uncertain of which side to lend support to. (Japan, China, the United States and the Road to Pearl Harbor, 1937–41) . On July 7th, 1937 when Chinese and Japanese forces clashed on the Marco Polo Bridge near Beijing, throwing the two nations into a full-scale war, the likelihood of U.S. aid was increased. Tensions rose when the U.S.S Panay was bombed and three Americans were killed. The conflict was avoided because the government accepted Japan’s apology and indemnity. (Japan, China, the United States and the Road to Pearl Harbor, 1937–41) In 1940,...

Words: 1458 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Monopoly - Case Study

...U.S. Monopoly on Global Weapons Trade The 19th and 20th centuries have been the centuries of monopoly capitalism. As we move into the 21st century, there is a new cultural and economic phenomenon arising: monopoly militarism. That is the subject this case study attempts to explore “ U.S. monopoly on the militarization of the world” . The Global arms trade can effectively be referred to as “the global weapons monopoly." Cold war and after During cold war days, the United States did have a major competitor. For instance, the Congressional Research Service's data for 1990, the last year of the Soviet Union's existence, shows global weapons sales totaling $32.7 billion, with the United States accounting for $12.1 billion of that or 37% of the market.  For its part, the Soviet Union was responsible for a competitive $10.7 billion in deals inked that year.  France, China, and the United Kingdom accounted for most of the rest. However in 2008, according to report from the Congressional Research Service (CRS), $55.2 billion in weapons deals were concluded worldwide. Of that total, the United States was responsible for $37.8 billion in weapons sales agreements, or 68.4% of the total "trade." US agreements with all of its customers include not only sales of very costly major weapons systems, but also the upgrading and the support of systems previously provided. The arms agreements involving a wide variety of items such as spare parts, ammunition, ordnance, training, and support...

Words: 1602 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Balance of Power

...refugee crisis? The answers to above terms will provide us clear view on the esteemed statement. The terms are discussed as follows: Global Power: There are 10 powerful countries, the 10 great powers that can rock the world. They have been ranked by their fire power & ability to shape both their regional environments and the international system as a whole; among all the world’s countries these are the ones with the most ability to affect global politics by their choices. The global power rankings are revised every year. Until 2016, the top 10 global powers are as follows: 1. United States of America 2. United Kingdom 3. Germany 4. China 5. Japan 6. Russia 7. India 8. Turkey 9. Iran 10. South Korea Balance of Power: In international relations, the posture and policy of a nation or group of nations protecting itself against another nation or group of nations by matching its power against the power of the other side. States can pursue a policy of balance of power in two ways: by increasing their own power, as when engaging in an armaments race or in the competitive acquisition of territory; or by adding to their own power that of other states, as when embarking upon a policy of alliances. The Interest of Global Powers: The scope of balance of power is vast. The countries that belong to global powers have their own...

Words: 7717 - Pages: 31

Premium Essay

Us Evolution of Foreign Policy

...domestic. Sunday, November 13, 2005 The Evolution of American Foreign Policy One of the great dramas of the twentieth century involved the redefinition of the United States’ role in the world. The US had isolated itself from European quarrels from 1815 to 1915—although the Northern victory in the civil war had an enormous influence upon the advent of democracy in Britain in 1867, and probably in Germany and France as well. In 1898 the US joined the imperialist scramble after the war with Spain, acquiring the Philippines and proclaiming influence over Cuba and new, special rights in Latin America. But as late as 1915, when the sinking of the Lusitania first threatened to draw the US into war with Germany, the issue remained violently controversial. When President Wilson announced that he would hold the Germans to a “strict accountability” for any further such outrages, his Secretary of State, three-time Presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan, resigned. Wilson’s stance, he said, would inevitably draw America into the war, and the government should instead simply tell American citizens that henceforth they could travel to Europe at their own risk. Already, however, as Charles A. Beard pointed out during the 1930s, some American politicians—mostly Republicans—had laid out new principles that would give the United States a kind of dominion over the entire globe, based on our economic needs. One such was Senator Albert Beveridge, a famous Progressive,...

Words: 2477 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Child Labor

...Child labor is can be defined as “employing children who are under aged to work as determined laws of a state” (Pakhare, 2011). Child labor has been an issue for centuries. The years of 1780 through 1840 there was an enormous increase in child exploitation. During the Industrial Revolution it was common to find children working in factories. In 1778, more than 60% of workers in textile mills of England and Scotland were children (ILO, 2010). Children were required to work in poor conditions, often for 16 or more hours in a single day. In some cases, children were committed to work for an employer for a set amount of years in exchange for food, shelter, and clothing. Many poor families needed their children to work in order to pay for food and shelter expenses; the dependence on child labor was vital for survival in many cases. Throughout the 20th century, the need and dependency for child labor substantially changed. Child labor has harmful effects that hurt the physical and emotional development of children, and that is a huge topic all countries should think about when using kids for labor because kids are the future of the societies. In developing countries, around 16% of the child population from age 5-14 years old is involved in child labor (IPEC, 2110). According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), there are 218 million children aged 5-17 years old engaged in child labor (ILO, 2010). The 1900 census in the USA found that 18% of all children (almost...

Words: 943 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Global Warming

...Debate 101 Topic: Canada should take no action on global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emission. Agree Why we should not worry about global warming since 1950 has been caused by man. Global warming is real, but in the next century the likely rise will be from 1C to 3.7C, not the 5C-plus scenario touted by alarmists. Similarly the IPCC report calls into question the alarmist claim that sea levels will rise 1m to 2m. Its estimates are in the range of 40cm to 63cm by the end of the century. Moreover, this moderate message is reinforced by the past 15-20 years of little or no temperature rise. Since 1980, the average of all the current climate models have overestimated the actual temperature rise by 71 to 159 per cent. This does not mean that there is not some global warming, but it makes the worst scenarios ever more implausible. Yet our climate conversation has been dominated by fear and end-of-the-world thinking. Less than a decade ago, Al Gore's film An Inconvenient Truth portrayed how a sea level rise of 6m would inundate Florida, along with Beijing and Bangladesh. Yes, it was terrifying. But it had no basis in reality. While panic is a great way to raise awareness and win votes, it does not produce smart policies. A sea-level rise of 40cm to 63cm poses a more manageable challenge. For purposes of comparison, sea levels have risen about 30cm in the past 150 years. Even with fewer resources and technologies at their disposal, our forefathers handled this challenge...

Words: 1613 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Netball

...was played with a soccer ball that was shot into closed-bottom peach baskets that were nailed to the gymnasium wall. In 1892 Senda Berenson, also a physical education instructor, adapted Naismith's game for her female students. The sport was modified for women to accommodate social conventions regarding their participation in sport, giving rise to women's basketball. Variations of women's basketball arose across the United States and in England. At a physical training college in England, the rules of women's basketball were modified over several years to form an entirely new sport namely netball. She divided the playing court into thirds, each containing three players per team that could not leave their assigned zone. Players could not hold the ball for more than three seconds, dribble it more than three times, or snatch the ball from another player. The first codified rules of netball were published at the start of the twentieth century, and from there, the new sport spread throughout the British Empire. By 1895, women's basketball had spread across the United States, with variations of the rules emerging in different areas. The published rules for women's basketball first appeared in 1895, written by Clara Gregory Baer, who was working as a physical education instructor at Sophie Newcomb College in New Orleans during the 1890s. Baer introduced women's basketball to her female students at Sophie Newcomb...

Words: 1429 - Pages: 6