International Organisations | Class 12 Political Science Notes

Why International Organisations?

International organisations play a crucial role in managing the relations between countries and addressing global challenges. Despite criticisms, such as the UN being called a 'talking shop' during crises like the Lebanon conflict in 2006, these organisations are indispensable for maintaining peace and cooperation. The United Nations (UN), for example, was established not to create a perfect world but to prevent humanity from descending into chaos and war, as Dag Hammarskjold, the UN's second Secretary-General, famously stated. Shashi Tharoor, a former UN Under-Secretary-General, emphasized that while the UN involves many speeches and meetings, dialogue ('jaw-jaw') is preferable to conflict ('war-war').

International organisations are not super-states; they are created by states and function based on agreements among them. They provide a platform where countries can discuss contentious issues and find peaceful solutions, helping to resolve most conflicts without resorting to war. Moreover, these organisations facilitate cooperation on global issues that no single country can handle alone, such as disease eradication and climate change. For instance, global warming requires cooperation among major industrial powers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions effectively.

However, recognising the need for cooperation does not guarantee it. Countries often disagree on how to cooperate, share costs, and ensure compliance. International organisations help by providing information, rules, and mechanisms that build trust among members. They ensure fair cost-sharing and benefit distribution and help monitor adherence to agreements. The UN, IMF, World Bank, and other such bodies exemplify this role.

Thus, international organisations are vital for maintaining peace, fostering cooperation, and addressing global challenges that transcend national borders.

📊 Diagram: Two political cartoons depicting criticism of the UN's delayed response during the 2006 Lebanon crisis, illustrating public perceptions of the UN's effectiveness.

🧪 Activity: Make a list of issues or problems (other than the ones mentioned in the text) that cannot be handled by any one country and require an international organisation.

🔗 Connection: Leads to the historical background and founding of the United Nations, explaining why such organisations were necessary after global conflicts.