What Would You Suggest Is The Current US Assessment Of The ✓ Solved

What would you suggest is the current US assessment of the

What would you suggest is the current US assessment of the value of the United Nations as an actor in world affairs? Explain, by illustrating either its effectiveness or ineffectiveness for a contemporary issue, from the US point of view. Would it have been regarded as having been more effective or ineffective 20 years ago for that or a similar issue? Explain.

Discuss the priorities of the creators of the Bretton Woods Economic system. Were their objectives achieved? Explain. Would those creators be more pleased with the current economic system, whose management is dominated by the G-8, EU, and IMF, or with Pax Americana? Explain.

Paper For Above Instructions

The United Nations (UN) has been an integral part of international relations since its inception in 1945. The value of the UN as an actor in world affairs from the US perspective has fluctuated significantly over time, largely influenced by global political dynamics, security concerns, and significant events. The current US assessment of the UN can be seen through various lenses, including its effectiveness in addressing contemporary international issues, maintaining peace, and facilitating cooperation among nations.

One significant contemporary issue exemplifying the effectiveness of the UN is its handling of climate change, particularly through conferences such as the Paris Agreement, which aim to unify countries in addressing global warming. The current US administration's approach to climate change emphasizes a multilateral strategy, showcasing the UN's capacity to serve as a platform for negotiation and collaboration. Although the previous administration withdrew from the Paris Agreement, the Biden administration re-engaged with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, signaling a renewed recognition of the UN's role in addressing dire collective challenges (Baker, 2021).

From this perspective, the UN's value is apparent in its ability to bring nations together to formulate collective strategies against pressing global issues. However, criticisms persist regarding its bureaucratic inefficiencies and the reliance on member states' compliance. Some critics argue that the UN has been ineffective in enforcing resolutions and that its operations can be hindered by political stalemates, especially in the Security Council where the veto power can obstruct substantial actions (Howorth, 2021).

Looking back 20 years, the effectiveness of the UN can also be scrutinized through the lens of key events such as the Iraq War. In 2003, the UN faced significant criticism for its failure to prevent the war, leading to questions regarding its credibility and authority on international security matters. From the US perspective at that time, the UN's inability to take decisive action against Iraq was viewed as a significant weakness. This situation contrasted sharply with the current climate discussion, as contemporary issues often require global consensus, to which the UN serves as a catalyst (Weiss, 2018).

Thus, while there are continued criticisms regarding the UN's efficiency, events over the years demonstrate a shift in how its effectiveness is perceived. The increasing urgency surrounding issues like climate change and global pandemics may lead to a favorable reevaluation of the UN as a relevant actor in world affairs compared to 20 years ago.

In discussing the priorities of the creators of the Bretton Woods Economic System, it is essential to understand their objectives, which were largely centered around international economic cooperation, stability, and the establishment of a new world order following World War II. The creators, influenced by the economic turmoil of the Great Depression and the disruptions of the war, sought to create financial institutions that would prevent the conditions that led to severe economic crises (Kindleberger, 1986).

The primary institutions that emerged from the Bretton Woods Conference in 1944—the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank—were designed to foster global economic stability and development. The IMF was intended to oversee the international monetary system and provide short-term financial assistance to countries facing balance of payments problems, while the World Bank focused on long-term economic development through funding projects in developing nations (Ruggie, 1990).

In assessing whether the objectives of the Bretton Woods creators have been achieved, it is a nuanced discussion. The Bretton Woods system facilitated unprecedented global economic growth in the post-war era, reducing trade barriers and stabilizing currencies to some extent. However, the breakdown of fixed exchange rates in the early 1970s marked the end of the original Bretton Woods framework, leading to a system characterized by floating exchange rates and increased economic volatility (Friedman, 1992).

Today, the management of the global economic system is more dominated by countries contributing to the G-8 and G-20, alongside the EU and the IMF. This shift has engendered debates about the representation and effectiveness of these institutions in managing global economic issues, particularly in an era where emerging economies in Asia, Africa, and Latin America are gaining influence (Stiglitz, 2002). Some creators of the Bretton Woods system may find the current landscape challenging, particularly with the rise of questionably managed laissez-faire policies and increasing inequality both within and among nations.

Additionally, the creators might be perplexed regarding the hegemony of "Pax Americana," which has implications for global security and economic governance. While the United States has played a dominant role in shaping global economic policies since World War II, the rise of diverging economic powers may reflect the shortcomings of a system predominantly steered by Western interests (Rodrik, 2018).

In conclusion, the current US assessment of the UN's value highlights both its potential effectiveness in addressing international issues like climate change and the critiques surrounding its operational challenges. Moreover, the Bretton Woods institutions, while achieving significant objectives, now face challenges in adapting to a multipolar world dominated by new economic powers. The creators' visions may indeed be at a crossroads as they reflect on whether the evolving economic governance structure adequately serves the intended goals of stability and cooperation.

References

• Baker, P. (2021). Biden Rejoins Paris Climate Agreement: A New Era of US Leadership. The New York Times.
• Friedman, M. (1992). The Role of Monetary Policy. American Economic Review.
• Howorth, J. (2021). The Global Role of the United Nations: A Critical Assessment. International Affairs.
• Kindleberger, C. P. (1986). The World in Depression, 1929-1939. University of California Press.
• Rodrik, D. (2018). The Globalization Paradox: Democracy and the Future of the World Economy. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Ruggie, J. G. (1990). International regimes, transactions, and change: Embedded liberalism in the postwar economic order. In K. A. Oye (Ed.), Cooperation under Anarchy. Princeton University Press.
• Stiglitz, J. E. (2002). Globalization and Its Discontents. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Weiss, T. G. (2018). The United Nations and Global Security. Global Governance.
• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (2021). The Paris Agreement. UNFCCC.
• Wood, E. M. (2003). Empire of Capital. Verso.