Political Science Questions

Question

International Politics

Study Questions

Lauren, Craig, and George, chp. 4

1.                 How did World War II influence thinking about “national sovereignty” and its role in a post-war security system?

2.       What sort of security system did Roosevelt initially advocate and on what earlier arrangement was it based? What particular problems did Roosevelt seek to remedy with the system he advocated? What problems did this idea suffer from?

3. How were the above challenges remedied in the form of the United Nations?

4.       What were to be the central functions of the United Nations?

5.       Under the U.N. Charter under what two conditions would the use of force be considered legitimate?

6.        How did the composition and agenda of the U.N change in the 1950s and 60s and what drove these changes?

Answer 1

How did World War II influence thinking about “national sovereignty” and its role in a post-war security system?

World War II had a significant impact on thinking about national sovereignty and its role in a post-war security system. Before the war, the concept of national sovereignty was generally understood to mean that a nation had the right to govern itself without interference from other countries. This concept was considered sacrosanct, and most nations were hesitant to interfere in the affairs of other countries.

However, the devastation and horror of World War II, which resulted in the deaths of millions of people and the near-destruction of Europe, led many to question the traditional concept of national sovereignty. It was clear that the policy of non-intervention, which had been adopted by many countries prior to the war, had failed to prevent the conflict.

As a result, a new approach was developed, which emphasized the importance of international cooperation and collective security. The United Nations was established in 1945 to promote this approach, and it was based on the idea that the sovereignty of individual nations could be subordinated to the greater goal of international peace and security.

Under this new approach, countries would agree to limit their sovereignty in certain ways, such as by submitting to the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice or allowing UN inspectors to monitor their weapons programs. This new approach to national sovereignty was designed to prevent future wars by ensuring that countries could not act in ways that threatened international peace and security.

In conclusion, World War II led to a significant shift in thinking about national sovereignty, and its role in a post-war security system. The traditional concept of sovereignty was redefined to emphasize the importance of international cooperation and collective security. This new approach was embodied in the creation of the United Nations and remains an essential part of the international system today.