Introduction: What are International Organizations?

• International organizations are institutions that promote global cooperation on issues like peace, security, human rights, trade, and development.
• Some are intergovernmental (formed by nations, e.g., UN, WTO) while others are non-governmental (NGOs, e.g., Amnesty International).

Why are International Organizations Important?

• Help resolve conflicts and prevent wars.
• Promote economic development and trade.
• Address global challenges like climate change and terrorism.
• Provide humanitarian aid during crises.

The United Nations (UN): A Global Peacekeeping Body

Formation of the UN

• Founded on 24 October 1945 after World War II.
• Replaced the League of Nations (which failed to prevent World War II).
• Headquarters: New York, USA.

Objectives of the UN

• Maintain international peace and security.
• Promote human rights and democracy.
• Encourage economic and social progress.
• Provide humanitarian assistance.

Key Organs of the UN

The UN Security Council (UNSC): The Most Powerful Organ

Role of the UNSC

• Can impose sanctions, deploy peacekeeping forces, and approve military interventions.
• Responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

Permanent and Non-Permanent Members

• 5 Permanent Members (P5) with Veto Power: USA, Russia, China, UK, France.
• 10 Non-Permanent Members (elected for 2 years).

Criticism of the UNSC

• Veto power allows P5 countries to block decisions.
• Does not represent emerging powers (e.g., India, Brazil, South Africa).
• Failure to act in key conflicts (e.g., Syria, Ukraine).

UN Peacekeeping Missions: Successes and Failures

What is a UN Peacekeeping Mission?

• UN deploys peacekeepers to conflict zones to maintain peace and stability.
• Example: UN Peacekeeping in Congo, Sudan, and Lebanon.

Success Stories

• Liberia (2003-2018) – Ended civil war, helped in democratic transition.
• Cambodia (1992-93) – Oversaw elections and stabilized the country.

Failures of UN Peacekeeping

• Rwanda (1994) – Failed to prevent genocide.
• Bosnia (1995) – Could not stop ethnic massacres.

The Need for UN Reforms

Issues in the UN System

• Lack of representation in the Security Council.
• Bureaucratic inefficiency and slow decision-making.
• Ineffectiveness in preventing major conflicts.

India’s Demand for a Permanent Seat in UNSC

• India is the world’s largest democracy.
• Has the world’s 5th largest economy and a nuclear power.
• Contributes significantly to UN peacekeeping missions.

Other Important International Organizations

World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF)

• Provide financial aid and loans for development projects.
• Help in economic crisis management (e.g., Greece bailout).
• Criticism: USA and European countries dominate decision-making.

World Trade Organization (WTO)

• Regulates global trade and resolves disputes.
• Promotes free trade agreements.
• Criticism: Favors rich nations over developing countries.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

• Monitors nuclear programs to prevent weapon development.
• Example: Inspected Iran’s nuclear program under the 2015 deal.

G7 and G20: Groups of Major Economies

• G7: Richest nations (USA, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan).
• G20: Includes emerging economies like India, China, Brazil.
• Promote economic cooperation and stability.

Regional Organizations: Strengthening Global Governance

SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation)

• Formed in 1985 for regional cooperation.
• Members: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan.
• Challenges: India-Pakistan tensions prevent effective cooperation.

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)

• Focuses on regional economic and security cooperation.
• Successful in economic integration and trade.

European Union (EU)

• Economic and political union of 27 European countries.
• Uses a single currency (Euro) and open borders.

Global Challenges and the Role of International Organizations

Conclusion

• International organizations like the UN promote peace, development, and cooperation.
• The UNSC needs reforms to reflect today’s geopolitical realities.
• Economic organizations like the WTO, IMF, and World Bank influence global trade and finance.
• Regional organizations (SAARC, ASEAN, EU) strengthen economic and political ties.
• Challenges like terrorism, climate change, and pandemics require stronger global cooperation.