1. UNGA
> 193 members with one vote each → equality
> Tendency for voting groups/blocs/alliances especially with superpower rivalry
> Composition of members will determine if resolution is passed
> Struggle for power between GA vs SC in issues of peace and security
> Growth of GA
> Accelerating decolonisation
> Increased influence, bypassing SC with Uniting for Peace Resolution in 1950
> Can recommend use of force
> Easier for US to push its own agendas
> 3rd world own agenda, members were unstable, poor & socially divided
> Marginalisation of GA
> GA was verbally condemned of being anti-Israeli/American, supportive of terrorist freedom fighters
> US failed to achieve its goals e.g. in 1971 C+ China took over Taiwanese China's seat in UNSC with suport from non-aligned members
> US withdrew aid to undeveloped nations in 1980s which led to an economic recession
> Increased conflict, poor continues continue demands & generally followed USSR against rich West
> Slow, inefficient and wasteful decision-making
> Ineffective talk shop
> Disunity due to various voting blocs which led to 'Automatic Majority', particulary in the 1950s
> Competition against SC due to non-binding resolutions
2. UNSC
> 5 permanent members: UK, France, US, USSR, China that had power of veto
> Often failed to ensure peace when a major power is involved
> Benign neglect to issues not relevant to major powers
> Despite veto preventing abuse of power, actions were restricted, ineffective when PM disagree with one another
> Vetoes used to keep opposition allies from joining UN
- US vetoed membership applications by Angola & North Vietnam as they were backed by USSR
3. UNSG
> Article 99 states SG may bring to the attention of SC any matter that affects maintenance of international peace & security
4. ICJ
Effectiveness
> Limited jurisdiction as only states & UN institutions are eligible
> ICJ arbitration is non-compulsory and requires both parties’ consent
> Enforcement dependent on SC
> Expensive & time-consuming process
> Lack of confidence in the Court’s ruling
- seen as Western-centric in early years so many new states did not trust the IC
- seen as useful to Third World later as ICJ does not represent superpower interests and hence are unbiased
> Unpredictability of the Court’s decisions
- uncertainty of the law & fear of loss of control over outcomes in cases
> Useful process in influencing the state of disputes
- gradual acceptance of world opinion
> Useful in isolating disputes & prevent worsening of relations
- among friendly states