As the realities of war unfold on our television sets, many people are suddenly having to learn a whole lot about global politics in a short space of time.
This is why history is such an important subject – it’s not all about memorising boring dates and timelines – it’s about understanding the modern world more completely.
But if you fell asleep in history class, or simply can’t remember anything from so long ago, here’s a crash course in the major international alliances and organisations playing a big part in the Russian war on Ukraine.
1. The United Nations (UN)
The UN was established in 1945, at the end of the second world war, with the mission to promote international peace and stability, human rights, and economic development. Effectively, the UN came about so a third world war wouldn’t. There are 193 member countries, as well as two non-member states – the Holy See and Palestine – which are permanent observers. The UN has specialised agencies under its umbrella, including:
· The UN Security Council
· The UN Children’s Fund (Unicef)
· The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (Unesco)
· The World Bank
· The World Health Organisation (WHO), and more.
2. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato)
Established in 1949 – just four years after the UN – Nato aims to safeguard its members’ freedom and security through political and military means. It includes 30 member countries from North America, Europe (and Turkey). When Nato’s Article 5 is invoked, the members are committed to defending other member nations – which is why the Ukraine is so keen to become a member…and Russia is so keen to stop them.
3. The European Union (EU)
Established in 1993, the EU helps its member countries co-operate in economic, political and security matters. EU members benefit from the removal of trade barriers and the sharing of a common currency – the Euro – by many members. There are currently 27 member countries with Britain famously exiting this alliance through the Brexit debacle.
4. The World Trade Organisation (WTO)
Established in 1995 with 164 member countries, the WTO manages the rules of international trade to ensure the fair and equitable treatment of all members through negotiations and trade dispute settlements.
5. Group of Twenty (G20)
Established in 1999, the ‘20’ in G20 indicates the number of current member countries, which has grown quickly since it started. The member countries include 19 individual countries and the EU. The mission of the G20 is to convene the world’s largest economies and address global economic concerns and policies.
6. The International Criminal Court (ICC)
This came into existence in 2002 and includes 123 member countries – although the USA signed but didn’t ratify the Rome Statute so it’s not a full member. The ICC investigates and tries individuals charged with the most heinous of crimes such as genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
7. BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa)
The term BRIC was coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill in 2001, before South Africa joined. It was believed that, by 2050, the four BRIC economies would dominate the global economy. Since 2009, the governments of the BRICS states have met annually at formal summits to discuss trade, finance, technology and other areas of mutual interest. BRICS is possibly a major contributing factor to South Africa’s recent bizarre decision to abstain from voting on a UN General Assembly resolution demanding Russia withdraw from Ukraine.
Sources:
https://world101.cfr.org/global-era-issues/globalization/six-essential-international-organizations-you-need-know
https://news.cgtn.com/news/7763544d32557a6333566d54/index.html
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