Lecture on Supranational Organizations
Introduction
- Last topic in the curriculum: supranational organizations in a globalized world.
- Globalization has led to the formation of several supranational organizations for global cooperation.
Key Supranational Organizations
United Nations (UN)
- Created after World War II to prevent war and facilitate cooperation.
- Successor to the League of Nations (which failed due to lack of enforcement power).
- Aims to resolve international conflicts through dialogue, not warfare.
Main Bodies of the UN
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General Assembly
- Includes representatives from 193 out of 195 world states.
- Vatican City and Palestine are not members (Vatican is a permanent observer; Palestine's membership is vetoed).
- Responsible for discussing and making policies, often with humanitarian goals.
- Created UNICEF in 1946 for global child welfare initiatives.
- Important forum during decolonization for newly independent states.
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Security Council
- Maintains global peace and security.
- Composed of 5 permanent members (USA, China, France, Russia, UK) and 10 rotating members.
- Permanent members have veto power (can block resolutions).
- Veto power has historically caused contention and affected decision-making.
- Examples of use: Russia's veto on resolution condemning its invasion of Ukraine (2022).
- Palestinian membership vetoed due to existing conflicts and alliances.
- Capable of sending military peacekeepers and imposing economic sanctions.
- Mixed success: success in Liberia (2003), failure in Rwanda (1994 genocide).
Conclusion
- The UN is both a product of globalization and a promoter of it.
- The lecture concludes the series, with a reminder to prepare for upcoming exams.
Additional Resources
- AP World Heimler Review Guide for further study and exam preparation.
End of notes. Best wishes on the exam!