Africa and the UN System

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses that the United Nations is the result of the universal aspiration for peace and cooperation at the global level. The writer notes that from its inception, it was meant to be a world forum for discussing and resolving the problems facing humanity. Despite this lofty goal, in many occasions throughout its history, the world body failed to deliver on this promise. The writer notes that third world countries, most of them being fragile emerging democracies, face constant threats to their political system, their economic situation and the social structure. The writer points out that from this perspective, the reform of the United Nations may represent an opportunity for such countries to decide on a structure that would cater for their needs and problems to a larger extend than the existing one.

From the Paper:

"The historical colonial background of the US determined it to take a strong stand against any possibility of maintaining the colonial system as part of any postwar agreement and reshaping of the world. At the same time, the political interests of all the three major powers that decided upon the blueprint of the peacetime imposed them an attitude that eventually favored the independence, although limited, of the former colonial possessions. Therefore, the current third world countries, which in large parts represent the African continent, were from the very beginning both under the overprotective eye of a system that had from the onset limited means and capabilities, and under the scrutiny of the trusteeship powers."
"This background on the issue at hand enables the proper presentation of the causes and effects of the failing UN policy towards third world countries, as well as its current results. Indeed, the highly anticipated UN reform can be seen as an opportunity for the small and poor countries to have their say in the reshaping of the institutional and political framework of the organization. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Addison, T. "Africa's recovery from conflict: making peace work for the poor". UNU World Institute for Development Economics Research. New York: UNU Press, 2003.
• Africa action. The World Bank and IMF in Africa. 2006. 29 April 2007. < http://www.africaaction.org/resources/issues/wbimf.php>
• Bennett, L. A. International organizations: principles and issues. Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 1988.
• Berstein, S., and Milza, P. Histoire de l'Europe. Paris: Hatier, 1994.
• Blum, Y. Z.. "Proposals for UN Security Council Reform." The American Journal of International Law, Vol. 99, No. 3. (Jul., 2005), pp. 632-649.

More papers on Africa and the UN System:

• Essay # 61236 : "Collective Security and the United Nations"
• Essay # 90755 : "Africa and the Atlantic Slave Trade"
• Essay # 11225 : "Apartheid: International Resolve"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: