POL SCI – UNITED NATIONS

United Nations (UN) peacekeeping or development and

Overview
The United Nations was established in 1945 as a
successor to the League of Nations. Its primary
objective is to prevent international conflicts and
foster cooperation among member states.
Key Points
• Structure: Includes the General Assembly
and Security Council with five permanent
members and non-permanent members.
• Significant Agencies: WHO, UNDP, UNHRC,
UNHCR, among others, working on various
social, economic, and humanitarian issues.
humanitarian work.
Possible Questions:
1. What were the primary areas of demand for
reforms within the UN post-Cold War?
2. Explain the perspectives on the Security
Council's composition and the proposed
changes.
Important Dates:
• 1992: UN General Assembly resolution on
reforms in the Security Council.
• 1997: Inquiry initiated by Secretary-General
Kofi Annan into UN reforms.

Possible Questions:
1. What was the primary objective behind the
establishment of the United Nations?
2. Name at least three significant agencies or
bodies under the UN and their respective
India and the UN Reforms
areas of focus.
India's Position and Aspirations
India has been a proponent of UN restructuring,
Important Dates:
advocating for increased representation in the
• 1945: Establishment of the United Nations.
Security Council, citing its democratic values,
• 1945: Signing of the UN Charter.
economic emergence, and contributions to the UN.
• 1997: Initiation of inquiry into UN reforms by
Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Key Points
• Indian Stance: Support for a more
representative Security Council.
• Challenges: Concerns raised by other
countries regarding India's inclusion due to
Reform of the United Nations after the its relationship with Pakistan and nuclear
capabilities.
Cold War
Possible Questions:
Reforms and Challenges
1. Why does India advocate for reforms in the
The post-Cold War era brought demands for
UN's Security Council?
structural reforms and jurisdictional reviews within
2. What are the concerns raised by some
the UN. These included changes in the Security
countries regarding India's inclusion in the
Council's composition and its role in peace and
Security Council?
security missions.
Important Dates:
Key Points
• 1945: India joins the United Nations.
• Reform of Structures: Discussions on
• 1997: Inquiry initiated by Secretary-General
Security Council membership expansion,
Kofi Annan into UN reforms.
including both permanent and non-
permanent members.
• Jurisdictional Review: Divergent views on
whether the UN should focus on
POL SCI – UNITED NATIONS
The UN in a Unipolar World Important Dates:
• 1944: Creation of the World Bank.
UN's Role Amidst US Dominance • 1995: Establishment of the World Trade
In a unipolar world with the US as the sole Organization (WTO).
superpower, the UN's effectiveness as a
counterbalance is debated. The US holds significant
influence within the UN due to financial
contributions.

Key Points UN's Significant Agencies and UN

• US Dominance: Financial power and
influence within the UN.
• UN's Role: Serving as a platform for global
discussions despite limitations in countering
US dominance.
Possible Questions:
1. How does the UN function in the context of a
unipolar world dominated by the US?
2. Discuss the influence and limitations of the
US within the UN.
Important Dates:
• 1945: Establishment of the United Nations.
• 1997: Inquiry initiated by Secretary-General
Kofi Annan into UN reforms.
Secretaries-General
Agencies and Leaders
WHO, UNICEF, UNESCO, among others, work under
the UN umbrella, while various Secretaries-General
have led the organization with their distinct
contributions.
Key Points
• Agencies: WHO focuses on health, UNESCO
on education and culture.
• Secretaries-General: Varied contributions
and roles of different leaders.
Possible Questions:
1. Name two UN agencies and their respective
areas of focus.
2. Discuss the contributions of at least two UN
Secretaries-General to the organization.

Important Dates:
Other International Organizations • 1945: Signing of the UN Charter.
• 1997: Inquiry initiated by Secretary-General
Overview and Significance Kofi Annan into UN reforms.
Several international organizations like IMF, World
Bank, WTO, IAEA, Amnesty International, and Human
Rights Watch play crucial roles in various global
spheres.

Key Points
• IMF and World Bank: Focus on finance and
development.
• WTO: Sets global trade rules.
• IAEA: Promotes peaceful nuclear energy use.

Possible Questions:
1. Explain the roles of IMF, World Bank, and WTO
in the global scenario.
2. Discuss the significance of IAEA and its
primary objectives.