Why is the concept of nuclear deterrence considered dangerous?
Nuclear deterrence is dangerous because its effectiveness relies on the belief that nuclear weapons will be used. If this belief is strong enough, it increases the likelihood of actual use, making the foundation of nuclear peace unstable and precarious.
What is the primary role of the United Nations in conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Palestine conflict?
The UN primarily serves as a multilateral diplomatic platform, allowing conflicting parties to engage in dialogue. It also creates political and moral pressure, supports humanitarian aid, and maintains a semblance of international legitimacy, even if it cannot enforce resolutions due to veto powers of permanent Security Council members.
What are the limitations of the United Nations in resolving conflicts?
The UN's effectiveness is limited by its reliance on consensus among major powers, particularly the five permanent Security Council members who hold veto power. If these powers disagree, the UN cannot enforce resolutions, rendering it ineffective in resolving conflicts where major powers are involved.
What are the two types of legally recognized wars under international law?
The two types of legally recognized wars are self-defense wars, where a country responds to an attack, and wars authorized by the UN Security Council to restore peace. All other forms of war are considered illegal under international law.
How does the concept of 'preventive self-defense' complicate international law?
Preventive self-defense complicates international law because it allows a country to strike first if it believes an attack is imminent. This concept is controversial as it can be easily abused to justify preemptive strikes, blurring the line between legitimate self-defense and aggression.
What is the significance of the United Nations' neutrality in global conflicts?
The UN's neutrality is crucial for its legitimacy and effectiveness. While it is not perfectly neutral due to influences from member states and cultural biases, it strives to maintain an objective stance. This neutrality allows it to serve as a trusted platform for dialogue and humanitarian efforts, even in highly polarized conflicts.
What are the potential consequences if a major power like the United States withdraws from the United Nations?
If the U.S. withdraws from the UN, it could lead to a significant reduction in funding and resources for the organization, particularly in areas like peacekeeping and humanitarian aid. This could create a vacuum in global governance, as other countries may not be willing or able to fill the leadership and financial gap left by the U.S.
How does the concept of 'power transition theory' explain potential conflicts between rising and declining powers?
Power transition theory suggests that conflicts are most likely to occur when a rising power's strength approaches that of a declining dominant power. The declining power may attempt to assert its dominance through conflict to prevent being overtaken peacefully, leading to heightened tensions and potential war.
What role does technology play in shaping modern international relations?
Technology has significantly impacted international relations by accelerating the speed of warfare, enabling globalization, and facilitating cross-border communication. It has also introduced new challenges, such as cybercrime and the influence of multinational corporations, which can rival the power of nation-states in certain contexts.
What are the three main theoretical approaches to understanding international relations?
The three main theoretical approaches are realism, which focuses on power and self-interest; liberalism, which emphasizes cooperation and mutual benefit through institutions and trade; and constructivism, which examines how shared beliefs and identities shape international behavior and norms.
- 联合国在俄乌战争和巴以冲突中作用有限，因为安理会的否决权机制常常导致其无法有效干预；
- 联合国仍发挥着多边外交平台、施加政治和舆论压力以及提供人道主义援助的作用；
- 联合国中立性受到多重因素制约，但它仍然是相对中立且被广泛认可的国际组织；
- 不同国际组织有不同的运作模式，例如联合国公开行动，而红十字会则采取秘密行动。
Shownotes Transcript