Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
3. 75 years of its inception the UN body continues to see a tussle between ‘principle’ and ‘power’. Discuss the underlying problems facing the UN and suggest what needs to be done to overcome these challenges. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
October 24 marks the diamond jubilee of the United Nations. But far from joyous celebration, it is an occasion to somberly reflect on why the UN is stagnating at 75 and how it can regain its lost luster.
Key Demand of the question:
Explain the tussle between ‘principle’ and ‘power’ that the UN body still continues to face and suggest what needs to be done to overcome these problems.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Although much has changed in the international system since 1945, the world body continues to see a tussle between ‘principle’ and ‘power’.
Body:
Narrate brief background of UN and its coming into picture.
Discuss the working model of UN and explain the lacunae present in it.
Explain how UN today stands to be a surplus of multilateral challenges, deficit of multilateral solutions.
List down the issues associated and suggest the need to focus on UN reforms.
Conclusion:
Conclude that On the 75th anniversary of the UN, there must be a global push against ossifying ‘rules’ which have privileged ‘rule’ of the few over the many. That is the only way to restore some balance between ‘power’ and ‘principle’ and ensure a renaissance of the UN.
