Paper Topic:

Can the UN be effective in reducing violent conflict either between or within states? Under what conditions is the UN most likely to be successful? Under what conditions is the UN most likely not to be successful?

Dependence on Great Power Unity

The United Nations (UN , as an agency for peace , was born in the throes of a great conflict which had brought untold sorrow and destruction to millions all over the world . Under Chapter VII of the Charter enforcement action may be taken against any State , whether a Member or not , which has been found guilty of an act of aggression or breach of the peace . While it was recognized under international law , that it would not ordinarily be possible to provide rules on non-members , it was felt

that in the interest of peace , the performance of the members should not be hindered by obligations assumed to non-members . The Charter thus assumes the character of basic law of the international community , and non-member States are expected to recognize it as one of the facts of international life and adapt themselves to it

The maintenance of international peace and security is the most important and paramount objective of the United Nations . The Charter places reliance first of all on the parties themselves to settle their dispute by peaceful means of their own choice , such as by negotiation mediation or enquiry . If they fail in their efforts to settle the dispute , they are referred to the Security Council . In no case is resort to threat or use of force permitted in the settlement of international disputes . The Security Council was intended to be capable of acting with swiftness and vigor in to keep the peace . It was given the authority to Member States to undertake certain enforcement actions for the maintenance or restoration of peace in the form of complete or partial interruption of economic relations or embargo and other means of communications , or severance of diplomatic relations . If these measures should be inadequate , the Council may take such action by air , sea or land forces as may be necessary to maintain or restore the peace

Generally , the UN is an effective force in reducing violent confrontations either within or between States . However , the effectiveness of the Security Council 's role as principal peace-making organ is made to depend on Great Power Unity . The requirement that decisions of the council on substantive matters must be concurred in by all the permanent members , places in the hands of any one of them the power to veto ' or block action by the Council . Thus without the Great Power unity , the council becomes an impotent body

The first occasion for collective UN military intervention on a massive scale arose in the Korean War of l950 when the North Korean forces invaded South Korea . Determined that the armed attack was a breach of the peace , the Security Council on June 25 , l950 , called for immediate cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of troops . It requested Members of the UN to render assistance in carrying out its resolution Responding to its appeal , several members sent troops to help repel the North Korean aggression . These States made available their military units to...

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