5.8

• How and why was the United Nations (UN) formed?

  The UN was founded in October 1945 as the world’s first true Inter-Governmental Organisation (IGO), with 50 member countries. It was established by the USA, UK, USSR, and China to maintain global peace and security after WWII. These four, plus France, became permanent members of the UN Security Council, giving them special powers including veto rights.
• What are the main roles and goals of the United Nations?

  The UN aims to: Maintain international peace and security, Promote sustainable development, Protect human rights, Uphold international law and Deliver humanitarian aid
• What types of sanctions can the UN use, and when are they applied?

  The UN Security Council can impose sanctions in response to threats like conflict or nuclear proliferation. Sanctions may include: Arms and trade embargoes, Restrictions on loans and financial transactions, Freezing assets and banning travel and, In extreme cases, military intervention
• What did the UN do in response to Iran’s suspected nuclear weapons programme?

  In 2012, the UN imposed trade and economic sanctions on Iran, which was the world’s 4th largest oil exporter. The embargo aimed to pressure Iran by reducing oil exports. Although it showed UN willingness to act, Iran’s GDP only fell 5%, raising doubts about how effective sanctions alone really are.
• How did the UN respond to the Bosnian conflict, and what went wrong?

  In 1993, the UN declared Srebrenica a “safe zone” amid reports of ethnic cleansing by Bosnian Serbs. But in 1995, Bosnian Serb forces overran it and killed 8,000 Muslim men and boys. Dutch UN peacekeepers were taken hostage and couldn’t stop the massacre, leading to widespread criticism of the UN’s ability to protect civilians in warzones.
• How did the international community respond to Russia’s actions in Crimea in 2014?

  When Russia annexed Crimea, the US, EU, and other allies imposed sanctions on key Russian politicians and sectors like banking and energy. However, Russia used its Security Council veto to block UN action. Although sanctions caused $70–90 billion to leave Russia and devalued its currency, EU members were cautious because they relied on Russian energy. Russia responded by banning EU/US food imports and strengthening domestic agriculture, while gradually reducing dependence on oil and gas exports.