PPE3251 – The Role of the United Nations in World Politics
This course introduces students to the role of the United Nations Organization (UNO) in world politics.
It offers an overview of the organization’s history, assesses the position of the UNO within the broader spectrum of international relations theory, and explains its functions. Among other topics, students will learn why and how the UNO came into existence, what its aims are and who in New York does what and why.
The course also provides an overview of the ways in which the UN responded in the past—and is responding today—to global issues such as international peace and security, terrorism, humanitarian assistance, development and democratization. The course blends history and theory: a long-term historical perspective will be followed by several case-studies, the theoretical implications of which will also be considered.
A wealth of materials will be used in order to offer students with a real-life experience of the UN and its actors.
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Discuss the historical development of the UNO;
- Demonstrate a knowledge of the UNO’s origins and functions;
- Understand the relations between the main organs of the UNO;
- Critically assess the different theoretical approaches to the UNO;
- Evaluate common criticisms of the UNO;
- Analyse the validity of claims made in defence of the organization;
- Demonstrate a knowledge of contemporary issues at the UNO;
- Critically evaluate the effectiveness of the organization’s response to major issues;
- Critically evaluate the relationship between UNO and USA;
- Analyse the extent to which the UNO has fulfilled the purposes of its Charter;
- Discuss the contemporary role and significance of the UNO;
- Discuss and evaluate proposals for the organization’s reform.