United Nations  The United Nations is a global organization of 192 countries.

United Nations  The UN was founded after World War II in order to prevent future wars.  Member nations meet in New York City.  At meetings of the UN, nations talk about how to fix arguments between countries.

NATO  NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is a military alliance. This means that if any of the countries are attacked, the others will help it to respond.

NATO  NATO was started because many countries were afraid of Russia. These countries thought that by teaming up they could discourage Russia from attacking.  Russia isn’t so bad anymore, but NATO is still around.

International Red Cross  The International Red Cross provides medical care to people who have been affected by a natural disaster or war, including prisoners of war.

International Red Cross  The International Red Cross doesn’t take sides in a war. It’s goal is to give medical care to people who are hurt on either side.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)  The International Monetary Fund is a global organization that encourages economic stability.  Basically, if any country’s economy is about to go in the toilet, it gives them a loan.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)  For example, in the coming months, the IMF is planning on loaning $160 million to Iceland, a country that saw the collapse of three major banks in 2008.

Humanitarian Aid  Humanitarian aid provides food and medical support for victims of natural disasters or war.

 Development aid attempts to help country’s get out of poverty and prevent suffering. This comes in two forms: 1. We straight-up give stuff away to poorer countries to prevent extreme suffering. This includes food, clean water, HIV/AIDS medication, etc. 2. We do things to help countries help themselves. This includes educating people, building roads so that farmers can sell their goods, high-tech farming equipment, etc. Development Aid

HSA Drill #1 2006, Question 1 Which of these does the International Red Cross provide in time of war? A. health care to prisoners of war B. trained personnel to assist in combat C. military protection to nations surrounding war zones D. ambassadors to help warring nations reach peaceful agreements

HSA Drill #2 2006, Question 26 Which of these is the main goal of both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund? A. to improve the economies of member nations B. to promote democratic reforms in member nations C. to increase reliance on agriculture in member nations D. to support the educational institutions of member nations

HSA Drill #3 2004, Question 22 The United States most likely joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to A. provide medical care to developing nations B. increase economic stability in other nations C. create a military alliance with member nations D. establish a single currency among member nations