World Cultures

Unit Introduction to Globalization

The United Nations

Name: Gianna Rocca

Block: 2

1. Explain the meaning of the U.N. emblem.

The U.N. emblem consists of the official colors of the United Nations: white and blue. The emblem
also consists of olive branches, which are a symbol for peace, and the world map, which represents
all the people and the countries of the world
2. How many countries are members of the U.N. today? 193 member states
3. How might you describe the U.N. General Assembly? What happens when it
convenes?

The General Assembly can be described as a parliament that has discussions and debates. The
Assembly is able to affect lives of millions of people throughout the world by initiating a political,
economic, humanitarian, social and legal actions. There are many functions that are pursued when
the General Assembly summons, some of which include: discussing on international issues, peace,
and security as well as initiating studies and making recommendations to promote international
political cooperation.
4. Does the General Assemblys vote matter? Why or why not?

Yes, the General Assemblys vote does matter because it is the only UN body that includes
representatives from all member countries and each member country has one vote. However, the
assembly can issue recommendations, but it has no power to force countries to act on these.
5. What is unique about the U.N.s headquarters?

The headquarters of U.N. is a complex located in New York; however, the site of the UN
headquarters is unique because it has an extraterritorial status. From this, law enforcement is
affected to where the UN rules override the laws of New York City.
6. What are the main goals of the U.N.?

To keep world peace

To make friendly relationships between countries
To work together to help people live better lives
To help nations achieve all these goals

7. Identify at least two challenges that exist in following the U.N. principles.

Settling differences and disputes peacefully

Refraining from threat or use of force
Cultural and economic challenges
8. What was the League of Nations, and how does it relate to the U.N.?

The League of Nations was an intergovernmental organization that was established after the First
World War. The League of Nations relates to the U.N. because they are both international
organizations whose fundamental mission was/is to maintain world peace.

9. In what ways was the League of Nations an example of early globalization?

Identify at least two.

Example of political globalization due to the concept of global governance and development
of international law.
Example of economic globalization since the League promoted international co-operations of
collective security and influenced industrialization in Western Europe.
10.

Why did the League of Nations fail? Identify at least two reasons.

Failed to keep international peace due to the onset of the Second World War.
Failed to maintain friendly relationships between countries: Italy and Japan, the main
members, betrayed the League and France and Britain did nothing to help it.

11. In what year was the U.N. created? 1944. What was happening at that
time? World War II
12. How many countries originally joined the U.N.? 50 countries
13. Why might the League of Nations be considered the forerunner of the
United Nations?

The League of Nations can be considered the forerunner of the United Nations because the League
was an organization established for the same purposes of promoting international cooperation and
to achieve peace and security in similar circumstances. However, after the League had failed to
maintain international peace, the U.N. took over after Second World War.
14.

What is the U.N.s Security Council, and what countries are involved in it?

The U.N.s Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and has a
primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The countries
involved consist of: China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, the United States,
Angola, Chad, Chile, Jordan, Lithuania, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Spain, and Venezuela
(Bolivarian Republic of).
15. Why might the structure and operation of the Security Council be
problematic? In other words, what principle does it appear to violate?
Identify two issues.

The UN structure of the permanent membership of the Un Security Council can be

problematic because it reflects the power structure of the world as it was in 1945
The permanent nations have the privilege to veto a resolution or can impose economic
sanctions and can authorize the use of force in conflicts.
Violates the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members.
16. Who is the newest U.N. member, and what noteworthy nations are not
members of the U.N.? Why has U.N. membership grown?

The newest U.N. member is Sudan while Vatican and Taiwan are nations that are non-members. The
U.N. membership grew as colonies because the Soviet Union broke up and nations were becoming
independent.

17.

How is the U.N. funded?

The UN is funded from voluntary contributions of member states. The General Assembly approves
the regular budget and determines the assessment for each member, which is measured by a
countrys gross national income.
18. The chart below lists the six organizational bodies of the U.N. Complete the chart
with information about their purpose as well as details you find interesting or
important. NOTE: Youve already read a bit about the G.A. and S.C.
Organizational
Bodies
General
Assembly

Purpose

Security Council

To maintain international peace and

economic power

Economic and
Social Council

To take care of humanitarian and

cultural activities

International
Court of Justice
(World Court)

The central judicial body of the U.N.

-It sits in the Dutch city of The
and is tasked with settling legal disputes Hague.
submitted to it by states.
-The court's 15 judges are elected by
the General Assembly and the
Security Council.
The Secretariat undertakes the day-to-Its work includes research,
day work of the UN, administering the
translation and media relations.
programmes and policies of the
organization.
The council administered the U.N.'s
- The council, made up of the five
trust territories. (Activities are now
permanent Security Council
suspended).
members

Secretariat

Trusteeship
Council

The main forum for debate

Interesting & Important

Facts
- On key issues- a two-thirds

majority is needed to adopt a

resolution.
-It has five permanent member
nations: China, France, Russia, the
UK and the US.
-Its 54 members are elected by the
General Assembly.

19. The U.N. also has separate organizations that work to meet its goals. List
four different groups or goals these organizations work to help or promote
(NOT the names of the organizations).

Promotes childrens health, education, and protection

Aims to promote peace and development through education, science, culture and
communication
Goals of reducing poverty, developing infrastructure, promoting democratic governance
To help the fight against hunger
20. What is the title of the U.N.s leader, and who currently holds this
position? How is this position used to counterbalance the strength of some
U.N. members?

The title of the U.N.S leader is the secretary-general, Ban Ki-moon currently holds the position.
This position is used to oversee the programme adequately in order to lessen the-riding influence of
the council's five permanent members.
21. What do you feel is the future of the U.N.? Does it have a place in todays
world? Why or why not? What can it do to improve its position? Write a 5-6
sentence paragraph explaining your views.

I believe that the United Nations does have an influential future. I feel as if the U.N. has a place in
todays world due to how there needs to be a solution to end the constant and recurring problems of
terrorism. The U.N. can improve its position by developing more efficient tactics to overcome
international problems such as terrorism. In addition, instead of the member nations arguing over
discussions pertaining to international topics, they must recognize the fact that the corruption in the
world needs adequate attention. The U.N. must obtain the authority to oversee and demand world
peace.
MLA citations (Sources):
1. "Profile: United Nations." BBC News. BBC, 30 Sept. 2011. Web. 09 Feb. 2015.
2. "Dag Hammarskjold Library - Map Library." UN News Center. UN, 08 Feb. 2015. Web. 09

Feb. 2015.
3. "United Nations, Main Body, Main Organs, General Assembly." UN News Center. UN, n.d.
Web. 09 Feb. 2015.