CH 05 Quiz Started: Feb 13 At 8:38 Pm Quiz Instructions ✓ Solved
```html
CH 05 QUIZ Started: Feb 13 at 8:38pm Quiz Instruc!ons 1 ptsQuestion
After the end of the Cold War, NATO...
Collective security organizations are often unable to prevent the outbreak of conflict because...
How do credible alliances affect bargaining in the international system?
How was UN Security Council activity affected by the end of the Cold War?
In general, _______________ are more effective in reducing the risk of violence between countries because ____________.
In international relations, an alliance is an institution that helps countries cooperate...
In the context of the United Nations, the P-5 refers to...
In which area have United Nations peacekeeping operations been most successful?
On average, peacekeeping has...
Peace enforcement...
The United Nations Security Council has generally hesitated to define domestic conflicts as a "threat to international peace and security" primarily because...
The balance-of-power theory of alliance formation argues that states are more likely to join an alliance...
What is a collective security institution?
What is bandwagoning?
What is the most significant difference between collective security organizations and alliances?
Which body of the United Nations gives some members the ability to veto resolutions?
Which country is the top contributor of peacekeeping soldiers to United Nations' operations?
Which of the following is an example of a collective security organization?
Which of the following is an example of peacekeeping?
Why is balance-of-power theory unable to fully account for the decision of states to join a particular alliance?
Paper For Above Instructions
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was significantly affected by the end of the Cold War, transitioning from a primary focus on deterring Soviet threats to addressing broader security concerns, including out-of-area operations, peacekeeping, and crisis management (NATO, 2020). This shift illustrated NATO's adaptability in the post-Cold War landscape, as it expanded its mission to include not just collective defense but also collective security, responding to new threats, such as terrorism and cyber warfare. The organization included more member states, indicating a united front against emerging global security challenges.
Collective security organizations often struggle to prevent conflicts due to several reasons. For instance, they face issues in reaching consensus on what constitutes a threat (Keohane & Martin, 1995). The challenge in defining threats makes it difficult for member states to form a unified response.(Tilly, 2000). Furthermore, the organizational structures of these bodies can hinder decisive action. The intricacies of collective decision-making can lead to delays and ineffective responses in times of crisis.
Credible alliances can significantly impact international bargaining dynamics. They serve to increase the cost of conflict, often deterring aggressive actions between states (Snyder, 1984). On one hand, alliances may constrain states’ freedom to act independently, forcing them into positions for which they had not originally intended, potentially escalating tensions (Fearon, 1995). On the other hand, they can unify the member states, enabling cooperative responses that ultimately reduce the likelihood of violent outbreaks.
The end of the Cold War also brought changes to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Before the Cold War's conclusion, the activities of the UNSC were often paralyzed by the veto power of its permanent members (P-5), namely the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom. The post-Cold War period saw some relaxation in the use of vetoes, which allowed for more frequent engagements and resolutions to international conflicts (Archer, 2017).
The P-5 members represent the key players of international relations, their interests guiding the council's decisions. This grouping has historically influenced resolutions pertaining to the sovereignty of states, often hesitating to define internal conflicts as threats to international peace and security, thus making interventions complex (Burgerman, 2019).
Peacekeeping successes of the United Nations have been more pronounced in preventing inter-state conflicts than in managing internal wars or civil strife (Crocker, Hampson, & Aall, 2007). The UN's peacekeeping operations demonstrated effectiveness particularly in post-conflict reconstruction scenarios. Nevertheless, these missions often require the consent of the involved parties, complicating the enforcement of peace agreements.
In discussing peace enforcement, it's imperative to highlight that successful enforcement mechanisms are hinged upon the compliance of involved states (Burgess, 2009). Often peace enforcement efforts do not demand the use of force and are hinged on negotiations to secure peace agreements.
As states contemplate entering alliances, balance-of-power theories posit that states seek allies to enhance their own security, particularly against mutual threats (Morgenthau, 1948). The theory suggests that states will align with partners that match their military capabilities. However, complexities arise when considering that states also may choose to bandwagon with a stronger state to secure their interests, illustrating the multifaceted nature of international alliances and partnerships (Walt, 1987).
Collective security institutions, distinguished from traditional alliances, are intended to act as frameworks under which member states commit to collective responses to aggression (Ramsbotham & Woodhouse, 2011). The essence lies in mutual assurances rather than direct military collaboration. This often reduces the risk of violence but can introduce bureaucratic delays in decision-making processes.
Notably, the distinction between collective security organizations and alliances is often defined by formality; alliances tend to have clearer decision-making structures and are more exclusive, while collective security organizations strive for broader membership to enhance global governance (Donnelly, 2013).
The United Nations' General Assembly, unlike the UNSC, operates on a principle of one nation, one vote without veto privileges. This dynamic creates a platform for broader engagement yet diminishes the efficacy of rapid decision-making when international crises arise. The Economic and Social Council, alongside the International Court of Justice, further contributes to the UN’s multifaceted approach in handling global governance.
Countries like Bangladesh and India have emerged as significant contributors to the UN peacekeeping missions, providing personnel and financial resources, demonstrating the global commitment to addressing international conflicts through collaborative efforts (UN Peacekeeping, 2021).
In conclusion, while theories exist that offer frameworks for understanding alliances and collective security organizations, the interplay of power dynamics, state interests, and the intricacies of international relations continues to evolve. As these forces shape global governance structures, the balance of power theory remains a crucial lens through which to assess state behavior in the international system.
References
- Archer, C. (2017). The United Nations Security Council in the Post-Cold War World. International Affairs Review.
- Burgerman, G. (2019). UN peacekeeping and the P-5: A comparison. Global Governance.
- Burgess, P. (2009). Peace Enforcement and the Role of the United Nations. Peace Review.
- Crocker, C. A., Hampson, F. O., & Aall, P. (2007). Leashing the Dogs of War. United States Institute of Peace Press.
- Donnelly, J. (2013). Realism and International Relations. Cambridge University Press.
- Fearon, J. D. (1995). Rationalist explanations for war. International Organization.
- Keohane, R. O., & Martin, L. L. (1995). The Promise of Institutionalist Theory. International Security.
- Morgenthau, H. J. (1948). Politics Among Nations. Alfred A. Knopf.
- Ramsbotham, O., & Woodhouse, T. (2011). Contemporary Conflict Resolution. Polity Press.
- Snyder, G. H. (1984). The Security Dilemma in Alliance Politics. World Politics.
- UN Peacekeeping. (2021). UN Peacekeeping Operations: Principles and Guidelines. United Nations.
- Walt, S. M. (1987). The Origins of Alliances. Cornell University Press.
```