by David Drayton

Created on: May 07, 2008

The United Nations continues to be the most concentrated effort to address the concerns of the planet. Without question there are several problems with the organization, still the organization has been the most sincere effort to bring about greater security for all mankind. Before any critical analysis of the effectiveness of the UN is undertaken, it must be accepted that the UN is an organization comprised of governments. This is significant in that historically and even according to treaty practice, governments have their own interest as their highest motivation. In contrast the UN is an organization comprised explicitly for the protection and advancement of all people. The United Nations can only be as effective as its member states are cooperative. When considering the effectiveness of the organization in modern times the primary concern is its inability to act in accordance with the UN charter. In no way can the economic and social responsibilities of the UN be sidelined or trivialized, however progress in these areas are unattainable where security is absent. The inability of the organization to meet its obligations under chapters six and seven have eroded the very purpose of the organization. Unable to fulfill its purpose (Article.1 UN charter) the UN has relegated it's self to dealing with the surface of humanitarian issues. Should the organization continue to avoid or be otherwise restrained from fulfilling its duties under chapter six and seven of the charter, both the organization and the ideas found in the preamble will become obsolete. It can only be presumed that should the UN be allowed to fail, with it shall go the spirit of global concern. By allowing this failure humanity would be embracing a spirit fierce isolation and self centeredness anew; perhaps the very seeds which brought about the need for such an organization in the first place. Mankind was not motivated to create either the League of Nations or the United Nations out of reflection alone, it was only after two world wars, the deaths of millions, unprecedented destruction, and faced with the annihilation of the species, that efforts were concentrated towards maintaining peace. This in mind attention must be turned towards making the UN capable of fulfilling its most crucial obligation. That obligation is clearly outlined in Article.1; "The Purposes of The United Nations are: To maintain international peace and security, and to that end: to take effective collective measures for the

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