This paper x-rayed the origin of the United Nations. Also, of fundamental importance of this study is the administration of the organs of the United Nations and their roles and functions to the organisation and the international system in particular. This study also beamed its search light on some specialised agencies of the United Nations and looked at global events that informed and propel the formation and establishment of the United Nations. This paper adopted the secondary method of data collection and as well, adopted four theoretical frameworks for its analysis, such as: Elite theory, the principle of Balance of Power, Realism and Liberalism and structural functionalism. it was found that the UN six main organs carry out functions assigned to them by the charter establishing the body and they are tailored to stabilize and ensure peaceful relations among nations of the world, it was also found that the UN functions are hampered by issues of finance, member nations agitation for restructuring the world body and problem of enforcement. In conclusion, it was recommended that the UN do all within its power to listen and respond to agitation for restructuring of the world body if the agitation is coming from majority of its member. It should be responsive to the compelling and majority demand of its members. With this, the issue of insolvency will be mitigated as member will contribute more to success story and victories of the world body.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. CONCEPTUAL CLARIFICATION OF UNITED NATIONS
3. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
3.1 ELITE THEORY
3.2 BALANCE OF POWER THEORY
3.3 REALISM AND LIBERALISM
4. THE PRINCIPAL ORGANS OF THE UNITED NATIONS.
5. CHALLENGES OF UNITED NATIONS
6. PROBLEMS CONFRONTING THE UNITED NATIONS
7. ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE UNITED NATIONS
8. CONCLUSION
Research Objectives and Key Themes
The primary objective of this study is to analyze the administrative structure of the United Nations' main organs, evaluating their specific functions and roles in maintaining international peace and stability within the global system. The paper further explores the historical context of the organization's formation and addresses the obstacles hindering its operational effectiveness.
- Historical evolution from the League of Nations to the United Nations.
- Application of theoretical frameworks, including Elite Theory and Structural Functionalism.
- Functional analysis of the six principal organs of the UN.
- Identification of critical challenges such as financial solvency and enforcement limitations.
- Evaluation of the UN's impact through specialized agencies and humanitarian contributions.
Excerpt from the Book
THE SECURITY COUNCIL
The Security Council is composed of fifteen members comprising five permanent members, Rourke (1998). France, Britain, Soviet Union (Russia), China and the United States of America and ten nonpermanent members, elected by the General Assembly, for a two year term. The permanent members have veto power. By strict legal standards, the collapse of the Soviet Union would have meant the vacation of its membership of the United Nations and the end of a security Council permanent seat with its veto. But when Russia, one of the Soviet states made a claim to the seat, other states diplomatically averted their eyes and allowed it, Omu & Otoide (2002). The United Nation's Charter requires that the permanent members agree on all decisions made by the council, except for question of procedure. If even one permanent member votes (rejects) a council decision, that decision is defeated.
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: Provides a historical overview of the precursors to the UN, specifically the League of Nations, and the international events that necessitated the creation of a new global organization.
CONCEPTUAL CLARIFICATION OF UNITED NATIONS: Explains the origins of the name and the formal establishment of the UN charter following the discussions at Dumbarton Oaks and San Francisco.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: Examines political theories, including Elite Theory, Balance of Power, Realism, and Liberalism, to provide a lens for understanding UN power dynamics.
THE PRINCIPAL ORGANS OF THE UNITED NATIONS.: Details the six main organs of the UN and their respective functions in maintaining global order.
CHALLENGES OF UNITED NATIONS: Discusses the broader societal goals, such as the Millennium Development Goals, that the UN aims to address on a global scale.
PROBLEMS CONFRONTING THE UNITED NATIONS: Analyzes the structural and financial impediments, such as solvency issues and the lack of a coercive enforcement arm.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE UNITED NATIONS: Highlights the successful operational records of specialized agencies like UNICEF, WHO, and the International Labour Organisation.
CONCLUSION: Offers a synthesis of the findings, suggesting that the UN's performance is limited by nationalism and sovereignty, and advocates for structural reform of the Security Council.
Keywords
United Nations, Security Council, General Assembly, International Peace, Global Governance, Realism, Liberalism, Elite Theory, Structural Functionalism, Humanitarian Aid, International Relations, Sovereignty, Diplomacy, Specialized Agencies, Reform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The work provides an in-depth examination of the administrative organs of the United Nations and analyzes how these bodies function within the international system to maintain peace and security.
Which theoretical approaches are used to analyze the UN?
The author utilizes four main theoretical lenses: Elite Theory, the principle of Balance of Power, Realism and Liberalism, and Structural Functionalism.
What is the ultimate goal of the research?
The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of the UN's organs and provide recommendations on how restructuring could address contemporary global challenges.
What research methodology does the author employ?
The study adopts a secondary method of data collection, relying on existing literature, official records, and academic analysis of international relations.
What is the primary content of the middle chapters?
The middle chapters detail the functions of the six principal UN organs, the specific challenges they face, and the measurable achievements of various specialized agencies.
How would you describe the main argument of the work?
The author argues that while the UN is the most significant global body, its potential is hindered by financial dependency, the lack of an enforcement arm, and the need for structural reforms to better represent diverse global interests.
How does the author view the Security Council's veto power?
The author criticizes the veto power through the lens of Elite Theory, suggesting that it contradicts democratic principles of equality among member states.
What is the author's stance on UN restructuring?
The author strongly advocates for restructuring the Security Council to better accommodate the interests of developing nations and sub-regional powers, particularly within Africa.
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- Peter Wejinya (Autor:in), 2018, The Organs of the United Nations within the Framework of the Functions of each Organ, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/416411
