First Advisor

Vandy Kanyako

Term of Graduation

Spring 2024

Date of Publication

7-18-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.) in Conflict Resolution

Department

Conflict Resolution

Language

English

Subjects

Cuban Missile Crisis, Korean War, League of Nations, Russian Invasion of Ukraine, United Nations, US Invasion of Iraq

Physical Description

1 online resource (iv, 95 pages)

Abstract

This thesis examines the legitimacy and effectiveness of the United Nations since its establishment, while also exploring the shortcomings of its predecessor, the League of Nations. The legitimacy of the United Nations and the role the organization plays in the world of international politics, the flaws of the UN Security Council, and the impact of the Cold War on the legitimacy and processes of the United Nations are especially highlighted throughout this thesis.

The successes and shortcomings of the United Nations are best understood given the historical context of the League of Nations, the organization founded to bring world powers together, and disbanded due to the lack of legitimacy and power in the international sphere. Historical connections are established that magnify the underlying causes of diplomatic failures over time. For example, the Manchurian Incident of 1931, allowed by the League of Nations' weakness and inaction, set an international precedent that ultimately led to World War II.

Similarly, the absence of decisive international intervention by the UN during the American Invasion of Iraq contributed to a precedent later observed in Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine. After a thorough examination of the modern UN system, recommendations for how the organization can expand its legitimacy and effectiveness around the world are provided.

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/42590

Download

Share

COinS