International Organisations
Introduction
International organisations are formal institutions created by agreements among states to achieve common goals such as maintaining peace, promoting economic development, protecting human rights, and addressing global problems. In the contemporary world, no country can remain isolated, and international organisations play a crucial role in global governance.
Meaning of International Organisation
An international organisation is an association of states, established by a treaty, with a permanent structure and common objectives. These organisations provide a platform for cooperation, dialogue, and collective decision-making at the international level.
Need for International Organisations
International organisations are needed for the following reasons:
To maintain international peace and security
To promote economic cooperation and development
To solve global problems like climate change, terrorism, and pandemics
To protect human rights
To encourage cooperation among nations
Types of International Organisations
1. Intergovernmental Organisations (IGOs)
These organisations are formed by sovereign states.
Examples:
United Nations (UN)
World Trade Organization (WTO)
World Bank
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
2. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
These organisations are formed by private individuals or groups.
Examples:
Amnesty International
Red Cross
Greenpeace
United Nations (UN)
Formation of the UN
The United Nations was established on 24 October 1945 after the Second World War. Its main aim was to prevent future wars and promote international cooperation.
Objectives of the UN
Maintain international peace and security
Develop friendly relations among nations
Promote human rights
Achieve international cooperation
Organs of the United Nations
1. General Assembly
All member states are members
Each country has one vote
Discusses international issues and makes recommendations
2. Security Council
Responsible for maintaining international peace and security
Has 15 members
5 permanent members: USA, UK, France, Russia, China
Permanent members have veto power
3. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
Promotes economic and social development
Coordinates the work of UN agencies
4. International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Settles disputes between states
Located at The Hague, Netherlands
5. Secretariat
Administrative organ of the UN
Headed by the Secretary-General
Reform of the United Nations
Many countries believe that the UN needs reform because:
The Security Council does not reflect present-day realities
Veto power is undemocratic
Developing countries are underrepresented
India demands permanent membership in the Security Council.
World Trade Organization (WTO)
Formation
The WTO was established in 1995.
Functions of WTO
Promotes free and fair trade
Resolves trade disputes
Reduces trade barriers
Criticism of WTO
Favors developed countries
Harms the interests of developing nations
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Objectives of IMF
Promote international monetary cooperation
Provide financial assistance to countries
Ensure exchange rate stability
World Bank
Functions of World Bank
Provides loans for development projects
Helps reduce poverty
Supports infrastructure development
Role of India in International Organisations
India plays an active role in international organisations:
Founding member of the UN
Major contributor to UN peacekeeping forces
Active member of WTO, IMF, and World Bank
Strong advocate of reforms in global institutions
Importance of International Organisations
Promote global peace and security
Encourage cooperation among nations
Help in solving global problems
Support development and human welfare
One Word Answers (Very Short Answers)
Headquarters of the United Nations – New York
Year of establishment of the UN – 1945
UN organ responsible for international peace – Security Council
Number of permanent members of Security Council – Five
Power enjoyed by permanent members – Veto
Judicial organ of the UN – ICJ
Organisation related to global trade – WTO
Organisation providing development loans – World Bank
Organisation ensuring monetary stability – IMF
Headquarters of ICJ – The Hague
Important Exam Questions with Answers
Q1. What is an international organisation?
Answer: An international organisation is an association of states formed by a treaty to achieve common objectives such as peace, security, and cooperation.
Q2. Why are international organisations necessary?
Answer: International organisations are necessary to maintain international peace, promote cooperation, solve global problems, protect human rights, and encourage economic development.
Q3. Explain the main objectives of the United Nations.
Answer: The main objectives of the UN are:
To maintain international peace and security
To promote friendly relations among nations
To protect human rights
To achieve international cooperation
Q4. Describe the composition and functions of the UN Security Council.
Answer: The Security Council has 15 members, including 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members. Its main function is to maintain international peace and security. Permanent members have veto power.
Q5. What is veto power?
Answer: Veto power is the authority of permanent members of the UN Security Council to block any resolution even if all other members support it.
Q6. What are the functions of the World Trade Organization?
Answer: WTO promotes free and fair trade, reduces trade barriers, and settles trade disputes among member countries.
Q7. Write two functions of the International Monetary Fund.
Answer:
Provides financial assistance to countries facing balance of payment problems.
Ensures stability in international exchange rates.
Q8. What is the role of the World Bank?
Answer: The World Bank provides loans for development projects, supports infrastructure development, and helps in poverty reduction.
Q9. Explain the role of India in the United Nations.
Answer: India is a founding member of the UN, actively participates in peacekeeping missions, and strongly demands reforms in the Security Council.
Q10. Why is reform of the United Nations necessary?
Answer: UN reform is necessary because the Security Council does not represent present global realities and veto power is undemocratic.
Conclusion
International organisations play a vital role in maintaining global peace and cooperation. Despite limitations, their importance in solving international problems cannot be ignored.
No comments:
Post a Comment