75 Years of UN: Surviving in Anarchic World Order | Hanna Sunny, Karamala Areesh Kumar

Abstract

Keywords: UN Charter, War, Peace, Collective Security, Covid-19 and Human Rights.

"We, the Peoples of the United Nations, determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”. [1] These powerful words from the Preamble of the United Nations Charter emerged from the deep pain and devastation caused by wars. Written in the aftermath of World War II, the Charter was crafted as a solemn promise to prevent future generations from enduring the atrocities of warfare. Seventy-five years ago, on October 24, 1945, representatives from 50 nations met in San Francisco to create an international agreement that guaranteed peace and everyone’s equal rights. This dedication to upholding global peace, human rights and promoting good relations among states was the foundation for the United Nations.

Humanity attempted to mend its wounds and reconstruct a broken world after World War I. The first significant attempt at collective peacekeeping was the League of Nations, which was founded in 1920. However, structural faults tarnished its great aspirations. The League was helpless due to the lack of essential players like the United States and its inability to enforce decisions. [2] Events like Japan’s invasion of Manchuria in 1931 made this weakness evident to all.

The international community started to recognise the urgent need for a stronger framework to maintain peace when the threat of world conflict resurfaced in the late 1930s and eventually led to World War II. An urgent search for a more effective international organisation was triggered by the atrocities of the Holocaust, the destruction caused by atomic bombs, and the immense pain endured by people. The United Nations was founded due to this mission, offering hope to a world weary of violence.

The United Nations was founded as a statement of renewed purpose and a reaction to failure. As stated in its Charter, its core values revealed a strong dedication to upholding world peace and security, defending human rights, promoting socioeconomic development, and promoting international collaboration. Fundamental to it was collective security, which held that world peace could only be attained by nations cooperating to prevent aggression and settle peaceful settlement disputes. The belief that international cooperation was the only way to stop the atrocities of war influenced this idea. In contradiction to the fragmented diplomacy of the past, the UN would serve as a protector against the emergence of authoritarianism and an advocate of cooperation and peacemaking.

The UN was founded by visionary leaders who recognised the need for a global strategy for peace and security. With his famous Four Freedoms speech, which emphasised freedom of expression, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear, American President Franklin D. Roosevelt played a crucial role in establishing the moral framework for the UN’s human rights agenda. Resilient statesman Winston Churchill promoted a new international order based on collective security, and his cooperation with Roosevelt during the war was crucial in forming the organisation’s mission. Despite his pragmatic motivations, Joseph Stalin emphasised the necessity of enlisting the support of significant powers to guarantee the legitimacy and efficacy of the UN, with the Soviet Union’s participation balancing the geopolitical dynamics of the era.

Delegates from 50 countries met at the San Francisco Conference in April 1945 to establish the UN Charter, marking a turning point in the crucial discussions and talks that led to the creation of the UN. [3] Signed on June 26, 1945, this historic treaty marked the beginning of a new era of international collaboration by formalising the organisation’s guiding principles and methods of operation. October 24, 1945, today known as United Nations Day, marked the official founding of the United Nations. A key component of the UN’s work, the atrocities of World War II, including numerous human rights breaches, highlighted the pressing need to preserve human rights. This dedication resulted in the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a landmark agreement that set a global norm for individual rights and continues to stand as evidence of the UN’s unwavering commitment to humanity.

Despite the anarchic world order, the United Nations has upheld the decorum of the international system, preventing the world from descending into another devastating world war. The UN’s resilience amidst chaos and challenges is evident in its extensive peacekeeping missions, humanitarian aid efforts, development programs, and unwavering advocacy for human rights. Its seamless regulation of global systems spans various issues, including politics, climate change, and security, demonstrating its crucial role in maintaining stability and fostering international cooperation.

Since the late 1940s, the United Nations has accomplished peacekeeping, one of its most important roles. These missions seek to protect civilians, promote diplomatic settlements, and calm conflict areas. Peacekeeping missions during the Korean War (1950–1953) and current activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are noteworthy instances. In many unstable areas, the UN has reduced bloodshed and maintained tenuous calm by quickly deploying soldiers and resources. Its dedication to resolving complicated global conflicts is demonstrated by the fact that it still has active missions in South Sudan, Mali, and the Central African Republic. However, the effectiveness of these operations often hinges on the political will of member states, as seen in cases where the Security Council’s permanent members, wielding veto power, have obstructed necessary action, such as Russia’s opposition to resolutions on Syria and Ukraine.

The UN has been vital to international development, humanitarian assistance programs, and peacekeeping. While tackling current crises, organisations like UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP) are essential in setting the stage for long-term recovery. For example, the World Food Programme (WFP) fights hunger by promoting sustainable farming techniques to attain food security and offering emergency food aid. Similarly, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), introduced in 2015, provide a thorough framework for addressing issues like poverty, gender inequality, and climate change. The UN’s conviction that sustainable development is essential to enduring peace is reflected in these programs. Challenges such as financing gaps and geopolitical rivalries often hinder the implementation of these vital programs, making it more challenging to balance national interests with shared global goals.

The United Nations’ unwavering support of human rights is fundamental to its mandate. The UN has taken a proactive approach to addressing global abuses and avoiding atrocities like genocide and war crimes by establishing the Human Rights Council (HRC) and promoting values like the "Responsibility to Protect" (R2P). Despite the hazards involved, the UN’s commitment to human security is demonstrated by its action in Libya during the 2011 civil war. Furthermore, the UN’s continuous efforts to preserve and advance international human rights norms are exemplified by treaty bodies such as the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). These organisations work with member nations to promote accountability and reform by monitoring developments and making recommendations. Despite challenges, the UN’s dedication to human rights remains a cornerstone of its vision for a peaceful global order despite the multipolarity.

The COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the emergence of nonstate actors are just a few of the significant issues the UN has faced in the last ten years. [4] Its capacity to handle international health emergencies and lessen socioeconomic effects was tested during the pandemic. The Israel-Palestine issue brought to light the UN’s difficulty mediating long-standing disagreements, while the Russia-Ukraine war revealed the challenges of preserving peace in a divided geopolitical landscape. Beyond these, problems like economic inequality, refugee crises, and climate change added to the complexity of global governance and the necessity of collaborative solutions to deal with the hybrid difficulties forming the contemporary world.
Global health, economy, and social institutions have faced previously unheard-of difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating an exceptionally high degree of international cooperation. [5] The UN has played a key role in addressing the pandemic’s many effects, demonstrating its ability to gather resources, provide necessary services, and encourage cooperation among member states. The UN COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, an interagency initiative established by the Secretary-General to assist developing and third-world countries in coping with the health crisis and its socioeconomic ramifications, has been a key component of the UN’s response. The most vulnerable groups have been given priority by this fund, which has mobilised resources to strengthen health infrastructure, acquire medical supplies, and foster resilience in areas that the pandemic has severely impacted.

The World Health Organization (WHO), the UN’s specialised health agency, has led the global response to the pandemic. The WHO has been at the vanguard of international practice, from distributing vital medical supplies to providing public health advice and organising efforts to track the virus. [6] The Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator is one of its historic programs that seeks to guarantee fair access to diagnostics, therapies, and vaccinations. This program has brought together governments, health groups, and private sector partners by focusing on cooperation and global solidarity to overcome inequalities in healthcare resources, especially in low-income nations. These programs highlight the UN’s capacity to bring together a wide range of stakeholders and promote group action, reaffirming its position as a pillar of global governance in times of crisis. The UN has called on member nations to enact comprehensive policies prioritising long-term recovery and sustainability and tackling urgent health issues. The COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan is a strategic framework that promotes development and resilience while addressing immediate needs. The UN has concentrated on bolstering food security, education, health care, and social protection since it recognises that the pandemic has disproportionately affected vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. The UN has reiterated the importance of matching recovery plans with more general global goals by incorporating these initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By promoting a more inclusive and sustainable international order, this strategy not only lessens the severity of the current crisis but also fortifies systems to face obstacles in the future.
The UN moved swiftly to respond to the urgent humanitarian crisis that surfaced following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The General Assembly requested an unconditional withdrawal of Russia’s military forces from Ukraine’s territory and held emergency sessions to denounce Russia’s aggression. Despite the Assembly passing several resolutions reaffirming Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, these acts demonstrate the UN’s limited power because of the persistent geopolitical conflicts that frequently impede efficient decision-making. In response to Russia’s military invasions, the UN Security Council (UNSC) has immediately imposed several sanctions against the country. However, Russia’s veto power has prevented it from consistently blocking comprehensive multilateral actions in the Council, significantly limiting the impact of these penalties. The Council’s inability to act consistently diminished the efficiency of international law enforcement. It emphasises the crucial role of secondary sanctions imposed by individual countries outside the UNSC’s jurisdiction, despite significant efforts by the US and the EU to implement coordinated sanctions targeting important Russian individuals and economic sectors.
In addition, the UN Human Rights Council formed a Commission of Inquiry to look into claims of war crimes committed throughout the conflict, emphasising the need to record abuses and promote responsibility. Although this work is essential for any future legal remedies, the commission’s ability to collect information and insights on the situation is hampered by the inherent difficulties in getting cooperation from belligerents. In addition, UN-affiliated humanitarian organisations have raised billions of dollars in aid and resources for the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to aid millions of conflict-affected civilians. However, logistical limitations and continued violence make relief supply difficult.

Because of its length and the intricacy of underlying historical grievances, the Israel-Palestine conflict creates a distinct set of difficulties for the UN. [7] To mediate and promote discussion based on globally accepted resolutions, the UN has continuously underlined the necessity of a two-state solution. Political factors, however, have stalled advancement as Israeli administrations have built settlements and carried out military actions seen to be against international law without suffering serious consequences because of UN restrictions.

Millions of Palestinian refugees depend on the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to deliver humanitarian aid and essential services. But UNRWA’s ability to effectively provide help has been impeded by financial shortages, geopolitical unrest, and US backing for Israel. The agency’s need for fresh and expanded financing has become critical in the face of rising violence. Still, it faces financial obstacles to meet the region’s expanding humanitarian needs. Political alliances, particularly the US, which frequently uses its veto power on resolutions intended to hold Israel accountable for its conduct in the territories, significantly reduce the effectiveness of UN sanctions and censure measures. The UN’s efforts to promote adherence to international law have been hampered by this protective attitude toward Israel, which has frequently led to an atmosphere in which Israeli activities are not given enough attention.
Due to firmly held beliefs and geopolitical divisions, attempts to achieve peace through diplomacy in both conflicts have frequently failed. Although the UN, the US, the EU, and Russia have facilitated several peace initiatives in the Israel-Palestine conflict, the fundamental disagreements over boundaries, security, and refugee status have not been settled, which has again resulted in anger and bloodshed. The UN’s efficacy as a mediator is questioned with each failed attempt at resolution, which frequently feeds hostile cycles. Despite the Secretary-General’s efforts for ceasefires and engagement, the Russia-Ukraine conflict is hampered by deeply held beliefs on both sides. The UN’s choices for peacekeeping are similarly constrained because deployment requires Security Council member consensus, and the conflict’s disagreements make reaching such agreements more difficult.
The United Nations’ constant supervision of maritime security has been impeccable, leading to the establishment of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This framework has significantly contributed to maintaining the order of oceans, ensuring regulated activities, and limiting territorial disputes. Notably, it has curtailed China’s invasive actions in the Indo-Pacific region. However, despite its success, maritime security remains challenged by persistent threats such as piracy, maritime terrorism, and other transnational crimes. The comprehensive oversight provided by the UN through UNCLOS emphasises its crucial role in addressing these issues and safeguarding global naval stability.
The UN’s attempts to uphold peace and security are made more difficult by the rise of terrorist organisations and non-state actors. These actors frequently target marginalised populations and take advantage of the socioeconomic instability made worse by climate-related calamities to enlist new members and increase their influence. A cycle of vulnerability is produced by the interaction of terrorism and climate change, in which environmental deterioration feeds conflict, displacement, and heightened vulnerability to extremist beliefs. Unified international action is undermined by the UN’s responses to terrorism, which are frequently hindered by geopolitical tensions and disparate counterterrorism plans among member states. The UN must comprehensively incorporate climate resilience into security plans and strengthen international collaboration to combat terrorism and climate change.

For the past 75 years, the United Nations has strived to uphold international peace and security, navigating countless challenges and adapting to a rapidly changing world. While it remains only halfway toward securing the vision it promised future generations, its efforts continue to yield meaningful progress. The presence of the UN may not have wholly insulated states and the world from conflicts, but its absence might have marked the end of peace and global unity. Through the narrow path of hope, the UN holds the beacon of faith, implementing peacekeeping missions and fostering collaboration through its leaders and personnel. With unwavering commitment, the UN has disciplined the world, one step at a time. “We, the Peoples of the United Nations, determined to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small.” [8] (United Nations Population Fund, 2024). The UN’s ongoing commitment to essential human rights is a cornerstone for its legacy over the past 75 years, inspiring nations to work collectively toward peace, equality, and justice.

(Authors: Hanna Sunny, Research Scholar, Department of International Relations, Peace and Public Policy St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru, India, Email: hannasarasunnyofficial[at]gmail.com.

Dr. Karamala Areesh Kumar, Head, Department of International Relations, Peace and Public Policy, St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru, India, Email: areeshkaramalajnu[at]gmail.com, karamala.areesh[at]sju.edu.in)