Post WW II Era Political Science Questions

Question

Answer the question below and give example.      

How did World War II influence thinking about “national sovereignty” and its role in a post-war security system? 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? How were the above challenges remedied in the form of the United Nations? What were to be the central functions of the United Nations? Under the U.N. Charter un der what two conditions would the use of force be considered legitimate? How did the composition and agenda of the U.N change in the 1950s and 60s and what drove these changes?

Answer 1

World War II profoundly influenced thinking about "national sovereignty" and its role in shaping post-war security systems. President Roosevelt initially advocated for a collective security system, largely based on the principles of the League of Nations but with enhanced mechanisms to prevent aggression and maintain peace. He sought to remedy the failures of the League, which proved ineffective in preventing the outbreak of World War II due to lack of enforcement mechanisms and widespread non-participation.

However, Roosevelt's proposed security system faced challenges, including concerns about national sovereignty and the willingness of member states to cede authority to supranational institutions. Additionally, the onset of the Cold War further complicated efforts to establish a unified global security framework.

In response to these challenges, the United Nations (UN) was founded in 1945, with the central functions of maintaining international peace and security, promoting human rights, fostering economic development, and providing a forum for diplomatic negotiations. Under the UN Charter, the use of force would be considered legitimate only in cases of self-defense or when authorized by the Security Council to address threats to international peace and security.

In the 1950s and 60s, the composition and agenda of the UN underwent significant changes driven by decolonization, the emergence of new nation-states, and shifts in global power dynamics. This period saw an expansion of membership, particularly from newly independent African and Asian countries, leading to a more diverse and representative UN General Assembly. Additionally, the UN became increasingly involved in peacekeeping operations and humanitarian interventions, reflecting its evolving role in addressing global challenges and conflicts.