Why do states cooperate with each other Chapter 8 Key 3 Why do states cooperate with each other

I Political and Military Cooperation Intro: After WWII most countries joined international and regional organizations in order to prevent future World Wars.

A The United Nations United Nations in the most important international organization Created after WWII by 49 States Grew rapidly three different times 1955. mostly European countries 1960. mostly Africa nations that were former colonies 1990s. Countries of the former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia Replaced an early organization called the League of Nations which was established to keep peace after WWI. USA never joined and others withdrew before WWII

More UN UN members can vote to establish a peacekeeping force The 5 permanent members of the Security council often voted to prevent UN intervention. Two major exceptions 1950s Korean War Iraq invasion UN plays an important role in separating warring groups especially in Eastern Europe and in sub-Saharan Africa. The UN tires to maintain Neutrality but sometimes it is difficult (Bosnia) The UN has become the only place where States around the world can come together to try and solve conflicts peacefully

B Regional and Military Alliances After WWII many countries joined regional military alliances as a result of the rise of two superpowers The Era of Two Superpowers Before WWII world usually had more than two superpowers. For example during Napoleonic wars, Europe had 8. WWI and WWII brought down many powers and left USA and Soviet Union

Before the superpowers, Powers joined together to form a balance of power With the rise of two superpowers, the ability of one state to shift power vanished States became an ally or satellite of one of the superpowers preventing the other from acquiring it. Both superpowers would sometimes use force to ensure an ally remained as such Both superpowers created bases in other states to ensure quick military response to conflicts

Military Cooperation in Europe After WWII most countries joined either NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organiztion) or the Warsaw Pact NATO was USA, Canada and 14 European states. Headquarters moved from France to Belgium Warsaw Pact was between Communist East European countries influenced by the Soviet Union These two groups were designed to maintain a balance of power in Europe. NATO prevented further Soviet expansion, Warsaw Pact created “buffer states” between West Europe and the Soviet Union. After the cold war ended NATO expanded to include most of the eastern Europe countries to prevent Russia from ever expanding again. The Warsaw pact gave way to OSCE (organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe) which aims to keep peace in the Balkans and Caucasus. They do not command a military force

Other Regional Organization OAS (Organization of American State) includes all 35 states in the western hemisphere, (Cuba was suspended in 1962) aims to promote social, cultural, political, and economic links among member states OAU (Organization for African Unity) has promoted the end of colonialism n Africa and white ruled governments in southern Africa Commonwealth of Nations includes United Kingdom and 53 other states that were once British colonies that seek economic and cultural cooperation

II Economic Cooperation INTRO Since the break up of the Soviet Union, the world has reverted back to the system of multiple powers Two key differences Most important part of power is increasingly economic rather than military Leading superpower is not a single country, but the European Union, led by Germany

A European Union With the decline of military importance, Europe has turned to economic alliances First established in 1958 and had 6 members, now has 25 member States and over 450 million citizens The EU started out to help farmers and depressed areas of Europe. The role of the EU has increased and helps build economic and political cooperation throughout Europe. The EU has increased free trade, removed travel restrictions, and most States have adopted a common currency.

B Former Communist Countries and the European Union After The fall of the Soviet Union, former allies of the Soviets, began the process of joining the EU The reuniting of Germany led the way, followed by the others The EU is now hesitating to add more east and southeastern Europe countries because they are too poor and would dilute the economic benefits that the member States now enjoy

C The Goals of the EU provide peace, prosperity and stability for its peoples; overcome the divisions on the continent; ensure that its people can live in safety; promote balanced economic and social development; meet the challenges of globalization and preserve the diversity of the peoples of Europe; uphold the values that Europeans share, such as sustainable development and a sound environment, respect for human rights and the social market economy.

For More European Union Info Go to this link and read through the 12 lessons http://europa.eu/abc/12lessons/index_en.htm I know……..none of you are really going to do this, but it was worth a try