United Nations Structures and History

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the key outcomes of the Peace of Westphalia in 1648?

Introduction of international law

Establishment of the United Nations

Formation of regional alliances

Principle of sovereignty (correct)

Which body of the United Nations is responsible for maintaining international peace and security?

Economic and Social Council

International Court of Justice

Security Council (correct)

General Assembly

What does external sovereignty refer to in the context of international relations?

Recognition by other states as peers (correct)

Control over international trade

Military strength within a nation

Influence of foreign nations on domestic policy

How many member states are there in the United Nations?

193 Signup and view all the answers

Internal sovereignty is best described as what?

Monopoly of effective use of force inside a country Signup and view all the answers

During which months does the main part of the UN General Assembly meet?

September to December Signup and view all the answers

Which United Nations body serves as the principal judicial organ?

International Court of Justice Signup and view all the answers

What major conflict marks the beginning of modern international relations?

Thirty Years' War Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Secretariat of the United Nations play?

Administrative and managerial responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

What event concluded the Thirty Years' War?

Peace of Westphalia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actors is primarily recognized for its economic power and often viewed as a conflictual entity in international relations?

Multinational Corporations Signup and view all the answers

In the context of international relations theories, which theory considers ideational and material power as critical for understanding global politics?

Constructivism Signup and view all the answers

Which level of analysis primarily focuses on the interactions and behaviors of individuals within a political context?

Individual Level Signup and view all the answers

According to realism, what is the most significant variable that determines international relations?

Military Power Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following theories is characterized as optimistic regarding the possibility of change in international politics?

Constructivism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the nature of politics as perceived by historical materialism?

Material and Conflictual Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the international organizations within international relations?

Cooperative Conflict Resolution Signup and view all the answers

Which actor in the international system is often characterized by its non-state status and significant social influence?

Nongovernmental Organizations Signup and view all the answers

What level of analysis considers interactions that occur between different nation-states?

Interstate Level Signup and view all the answers

According to liberalism, which aspect is not viewed as a central variable in understanding international relations?

Military Power Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary goal of the Congress of Vienna?

To redistribute power to create a balance among European nations. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the Balance of Power Process?

It is a strategy for different nations to align against a common rising threat. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of theory in the context of international relations?

To simplify reality for better understanding and control. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is considered when developing multiple theories in International Relations?

The nature of politics and the possibility of change. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines assumptions in theories?

They are predetermined ideas set by the authors. Signup and view all the answers

Which outcome did the Congress of Vienna aim to achieve among European powers?

The assurance of lasting peace and stability. Signup and view all the answers

What role do variables play in theories of international relations?

They identify key factors considered vital for analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event did the Congress of Vienna seek to address following the Napoleonic Wars?

The reestablishment of old monarchies and political order. Signup and view all the answers

How did the concept of Theory emerge as important in international relations?

To reduce the frequency and intensity of wars. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups were involved in World War I?

Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire against major powers. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

United Nations Bodies

The United Nations has six main bodies
- Security Council
- General Assembly
- Economic and Social Council
- Secretariat (Secretary-General)
- International Court of Justice
- Trusteeship Council
The UN has 193 Member States
The Assembly meets in New York every year
- The main portion of the Assembly is held in September to December
- The resumed portion is held from January to September.
The 79th session (1945+79=2024) of the United Nations General Assembly started in 2023
The Holy See and the State of Palestine are observers to the UN.
The UN Web TV provides information on the sessions

The Thirty Years’ War and the Peace of Westphalia

The Thirty Years’ War in Europe (1618–1648) is considered the origin of modern international relations.
The Peace of Westphalia in 1648:
- established the principle of sovereignty.
- solidified the political rights of monarchs
- laid the foundation for the formation of the modern nation-state.

Sovereignty

Internal Sovereignty: The effective use of force within a country's borders.
External Sovereignty: Recognition by other states as an equal.

Congress of Vienna (1814–1815)

The Congress of Vienna was a multi-lateral meeting held in 1814–1815 to reorganize the European political landscape.
The goal was to re-establish the old monarchies and redistribute power among European countries
The Congress of Vienna aimed to create a balance of powers in Europe to maintain peace.

Balance of Power

If a country becomes a rising and threatening power, other countries should seek to balance the power by:
- Increasing their own military power
- Creating alliances with other concerned nations
The Balance of Power Process is the mechanism used to oppose a rising threat by forming alliances.
The Congress of Vienna maintained a relative peace among major European powers until 1914.

World War I (1914–1918)

Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire fought against the Allies (Great Britain, U.S.A., France, Russia, Italy, Japan, and other smaller powers)
More than 9 million soldiers and 40 million people lost their lives.

World War II (1939-1945)

Approximately 3% of the world population died
Between 70 and 85 million people died

What is Theory?

Theory is a generalization that simplifies reality by focusing on only the most important variables.
Theory is an analytical tool designed to predict and control events.

Uses of Theory

Describe: Provides an overview of ideas, concepts, events or actions.
Explain: Explains why the outcome of an event occurred based on the theory.
Predict: Uses the theory to anticipate future events or outcomes.
Control: Attempts to control future events or outcomes.
All theories have assumptions and variables:
- Assumptions are predetermined by the author.
- Variables indicate the essential information that the theory considers.

Theories of International Relations

There are multiple theories of international relations because scholars seek to answer different questions:
- Who are the main actors?
- What is the most important variable?
- What is the nature of politics?
- Is change possible?
- What is the level of analysis?

Main Actors in the International System

Nation-States
International Organizations
Multinational Corporations (MNC)
Non-governmental Organizations (NGO)
Non-state Actors:
- Individual leaders
- Terrorist groups
- Famous individuals

Levels of Analysis

Levels of analysis seek to explain international relations (for example, the Ukraine War) by examining different dimensions:
- Global Level: examines the whole system.
- Interstate Level: examines interactions between two or more states.
- Domestic Level: examines internal factors within states.
- Individual Level: examines the actions of specific individuals.

Theories of International Relations Summary

Five main theories of International Relations:
- Realism
- Liberalism
- Constructivism
- Historical Materialism
- Feminism

Main Actor Main Variables Nature of Politics Possibility of Change? Level of Analysis

Realism States Military Power Conflictual Pessimistic Interstate
Liberalism States and Other Actors Economic Power, Political Ideologies Cooperative Optimistic Global, Interstate, Domestic, Individual
Constructivism States and Other Actors Ideational & Material Power Conflictual & Cooperative Optimistic Global, Interstate, Domestic
Historical Materialism Economic Classes, Material Power Conflictual Optimistic Global

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Description

This quiz covers the main bodies of the United Nations, including their functions and the overview of member states. Additionally, it explores historical events such as the Thirty Years’ War and the Peace of Westphalia, which shaped modern international relations.