The Challenge of Interdependence Unit #8 Foreign Policy The Challenge of Interdependence

The United Nations The United Nations provides a way for the nations of the world to work together to solve global problems. Has 91 member nations—almost every nation in the world. Its constitution is the United Nations Charter. Created in 1945 at the end of WWII.

6 Major Divisions Security Council General Assembly Secretariat Economic and Social Council International Court of Justice Trusteeship Council 6 Major Divisions

Security Council The most powerful arm of the UN It has power to take action to keep the peace and help settle conflicts that break out. When a war breaks out, the Security Council may send a force of peacekeepers to the trouble spot. Peacekeepers are members of the military whose job is usually to help settle conflicts and maintain order in a region.

Nongovernmental Organizations Private nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) also work on global problems. Some NGOs protect political and economic rights. (Red Cross) Some provide medical care to war and disaster victims. (Doctors Without Borders)

Impact of Organizations For organizations to succeed in their attempts to solve global problems, countries have to be willing to work together. However, there is a limit to what each country is willing to give up. Nations are not likely to give up any of their political power.

Countries are most willing to work together when it does not mean giving up power. Countries tend to cooperate best in smaller, regional organizations, such as NATO and the Organization of African Unity. Members of such groups usually have more in common than do members of worldwide organizations like the UN.