Exploring the UN’s struggle to overcome global conflict

The idea of peace in Europe has been a long-term objective. For this purpose, many efforts have been made, such as the 1919 Treaty of Versailles shaping peace efforts. The treaty involved 32 nations and ran under the leadership of the United Kingdom, United States, France, and Italy. At the Dumbarton Oaks conference in 1944, it influenced the creation of the United Nations. Despite this, the United Nations has not been ‌successful in bringing peace across the world. After the formation of the UN in 1945, the world continuously struggled with many conflicts. Opponents said that the United Nations only proved helpful for those countries that are strong, such as the UK, the US, and the Soviet Union. It does not make an effort to achieve world peace. 

In 1939, World War II started. It was the time when Germany invaded Poland. Many nations, such as the UK, the US, and the Soviets, formed a team to tackle challenges and promised to bring peace through cooperation. In 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, and after this incident, the United States joined the war. Although the UN emerged from these alliances, it has struggled to prevent global conflicts.

Roosevelt and Churchill were both presidents of the United States and the United Kingdom, respectively, in 1941. At that time they signed the Atlantic Charter. This charter laid the vision of peace, free trade, and self-determination. It has the special aim of stopping terrorist activities and eliminating fear and war. 

Many nations, like the US, UK, and China accept this vision. ‌There were other 22 nations that agreed with this vision after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. ‌World War II pushed these nations to work on a single platform to overcome the destruction that happened due to war. In 1943, many nations wanted an international organization to ensure equality, peace, and security. This idea became the reason for the creation of the United Nations.  

The Tehran Conference later that year saw Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin discussing post-war territorial adjustments. Roosevelt’s leniency toward Stalin raised concerns about power imbalances, with critics linking such attitudes to future policies, including support for the Zionist takeover of Palestine. Despite flaws, the meetings aimed to ensure lasting global peace.

Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin discussed post-war territorial modifications at the Tehran Conference later that year. Roosevelt’s indulgence in Stalin sparked worries about power disparities, and detractors connected these sentiments to his later policies, such as his backing for the Zionist occupation of Palestine. Notwithstanding their shortcomings, the sessions sought to guarantee enduring world peace.

After ‌World War II, the United Nations was developed to bring peace across the world. In 1944, its structure was designed under the leadership of the US, UK, Soviet, and China. They proposed the formation of a General Assembly for all the member states. They also developed the Security Council with 5 permanent and 6 rotating members. Furthermore, an International Court of Justice is responsible for handling different global tasks. All of these nations also disagree on different matters but they know that global unity is necessary to handle challenges. The US had enough power but still needed the assistance of the Soviets to end the war. 

In April 1945, the goals of the United Nations were finalized by 46 countries. These nations met in San Francisco. The main objective is to stop war, promote human rights, and bring peace and justice. Furthermore, 5 permanent members of the United Nations Security Council have veto powers. Under this power, they can issue or restrict any important order. 

The supremacy of World War II winners is reflected in the United Nations (UN), which was established to uphold world peace. The UN Security Council (UNSC) was set up to benefit the superpowers. The US insisted on incorporating China because of its involvement in opposing Japan, while the UK preferred a limited council that included the US and the Soviet Union. To ensure Western dominance, France was added. The “Big Five” the US, UK, USSR (now Russia), China, and France were all given veto power. 

All members can vote equally in the UN General Assembly (UNGA), but the UNSC has the final say over decisions made by the UNGA, which is mostly advisory. Rather than averting disputes, this mismatch has exacerbated them throughout time. The United States and the Soviet Union used the UN to further their respective agendas throughout the Cold War, and the UNSC’s current structure exacerbates inequality and calls into doubt the organization’s capacity to maintain enduring peace.