United Nations History

Humanitarian crises are affected by political conflicts. For exams understand the interdependence of the UN system.

Climate change in the UN also involves debates on responsibility and development. For exams treat it as a modern global issue.

The UN also provides a forum for new global challenges. For exams understand the balance of old and new issues.

The UN role is not limited to preventing war. For exams include examples of agencies in achievements.

The success of the UN is affected by the will of member states. For exams write the role of both institution and member states.

To understand the UN one should study structure functions and criticism together. For exams give balanced and analytical answers.

To understand the UN both its principles and power structure must be known. For exams clearly write the difference between ideals and practice.

This article gives the principle of refraining from threat or use of force. Exam tip: link it with peace and sovereignty.

Article 51 refers to self-defense in case of armed attack. Exam tip: remember it as an exception to the restriction on force.

Article 99 allows the Secretary-General to bring threats to the Security Council's attention. Exam tip: link it with the active role of the Secretary-General.

In non-procedural matters a negative vote by a permanent member can become a veto. Exam tip: understand voting and veto together.

In procedural matters a permanent member's negative vote alone does not block a proposal. Exam tip: keep nine affirmative votes and veto rules separate.

The General Assembly gives broad representation while the Security Council gives special power to some members. Exam tip: understand legitimacy and effectiveness together.

The UN works while recognizing the sovereignty of member states. Exam tip: remember the difference between world government and international organization.

Dumbarton Oaks gave the outline and San Francisco finalized the Charter. Exam tip: separate preparation from final formation.

The veto system was an attempt to keep major powers inside the organization. Exam tip: link it with the balance of idealism and power politics.

The term United Nations was first linked with Allied wartime cooperation. Exam tip: treat the Declaration and Charter as different documents.

The Charter came into force on 24 October 1945. Exam tip: keep signing date and entry-into-force date separate.

General Assembly resolutions are often not legally binding but can have political importance. Exam tip: separate moral influence from legal obligation.

This resolution was linked with increasing the General Assembly's role during Security Council deadlock. Exam tip: connect it with Cold War power politics.