The United Nations

Lecture 1Spring 2013Professor O’Malley

UN -- Introduction

Essentials

1. Buy the textbook (see the website)

2. Website – www.disomalley.com here

First 3 Questions

1. Why are you in this class?

2. What can you tell me about the UN?

3. What do you think about the UN?

What is the UN?

• It is a ‘confederation’ of sovereign states• It is a mechanism; an instrument of

negotiation• It is an intergovernmental organization (IO

or IGO)• It is a consolidating axis for organizations that

link states more closely together

What is it not?• It is not a superstate able to act outside the

framework of decisions of its members• It is not a world government

Theoretical Perspectives

*Through what lens can we view the UN?*

• Realism (IOs only good to gain relative power, can’t change human nature)

• Idealism (States can cooperate to help mankind)

• Marxism (Capitalists use UN/IOs to dominate others)

• Critical Theory / Constructivism (UN convenes diverse actors and importance depends on construction of int’l affairs at time)

• Feminism (UN can serve broader communal goals)

• Dependency Theory (UN and its orgs. Can change the world economic system)

*There are others as well

What lens will we use?

We will not use one specific theory. Your textbook will rarely mention theories. However, these theories are useful for noticing trends in UN history and policy.

The UN is a complex organization: • It is a system of organizations.• It has many obligations.• It is constantly evolving.

*One theory or view is not sufficient*

The UN System

* How many of you know the World Bank, IMF and WTO are part of the UN system?

The UN Website

If you haven’t been there – go!

www.UN.org

Homework

Check the website!