Why We Need International Organizations
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International Organizations
Table of Contents
Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Psychology …. ………………………………………………………………………………… 4-6
World War II: Hitler …………………………………………………………………………... 6-9
Organizations ………………………………………………………………………………… 9-14
Conflicts …………………………………………………………………………………….. 14-24
Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………………... 25
Introduction
The reason we have international organizations is because people don’t care about other people. In the past century, societies have witnessed conflicts which can be described as hell on earth. The rapid advancement of technology has supplied power-hungry individuals with tools capable of tarnishing cultures and destroying lives. However, it is not technology that is to blame for recent historical atrocities, but the people that make the decision to use these weapons to achieve such evil ends. The reason these decisions are made has been analyzed to better understand what drives these individuals to a point of no return. How Hitler’s insanity created a cult following which led to the deadliest war in history. Why Pol Pot and Saddam Hussein took the lives of millions of their own people for irrational purposes. What is most fascinating is that despite the horrors waged on humanity by humanity, the goodness of people always seems to prevail. Following World War II, new international organizations were created to prevent future conflicts and to assist those suffering around the world from the consequences of such conflicts when they do arise. The collaboration of these organizations can bring justice to those who choose to disrupt the peace and provide the aid required to those suffering as a consequence. Over the last half century organizations such as UNICEF, the UNHCR, and the United Nations have grown with technology to help combat the evils that developing nations, like Rwanda, cannot face alone. Today our societies still struggle with the side effects of conflicts. If we learn from the mistakes of our past, we can better identify the warning signs of individuals and potential conflicts in order to take pre-emptive measures to prevent the conflict rather than reactive measures to provide aid to those suffering because of the violence.
Psychology
The need for these international organizations has continued over the last half century since their inception due to the many different conflicts that have occurred in various parts of the world. However, a psychological analysis of such conflicts shows that the atrocities and human rights violations perpetrated during many of these conflicts are rooted in the same psychological processes of enemy imaging and dehumanization. An enemy image is a negative stereotype through which the opposing group is viewed as evil, contrasting one’s own side, which is viewed as good (Maiese, 2003). The negative actions of one’s opponent are seen as being reflective of their fundamentally evil nature. The values and motivations behind such negative actions as well as one’s own faults are generally discounted, denied, or ignored (Maiese, 2003). Once an enemy image is formed it tends to resist change and makes it difficult to empathize with one’s opponent and makes meaningful communication unlikely; subsequently perpetuating and intensifying conflict. Under the veil of an enemy image the adversary is viewed as a “diabolical enemy”, thus framing the conflict as a war between good and evil and making each party’s position become more rigid (Maiese, 2003).
The formation of an enemy imagine greatly facilitates the psychological process of dehumanization, whereby opponents view each other as less than human and thus not deserving of moral consideration (Maiese, 2003). This leads to intense feelings of hatred for one’s opponent, which can eventually result in their moral exclusion. With this exclusion one’s opponent is typically seen as inferior, evil, or criminal and outside the scope of morality and justice; any harm that befalls them is viewed as warranted and possibly even morally justified (Maiese, 2003). Through this act of moral exclusion, dehumanization allows for a reduction in the restraint against harming or exploiting one’s opponent. It can even make the violation of generally accepted norms of behavior regarding other people seem reasonable or necessary (Maiese, 2003). This allows the persecution of one’s opponents to become more psychologically acceptable, thus increasing violence and causing conflict to escalate out of control. Thinking sets, the path for action and thus thinking of other human beings as less than human,paves the way for atrocity, including human rights violations, war crimes, and genocide.
Although many of the conflicts that have continued the need for international organizations are rooted in negative human psychological tendencies that allow people to not care about others; the creation of these international organizations can also be explained by healthier and positive human psychological tendencies that cause people to care about others and act generously. The care and generosity related to the creation and operation of these international organizations can be linked to the psychological tendency for prosocial behavior, which is a voluntary behavior that benefits others, with this benefit for the other being the primary goal (Collett, 2007). Prosocial behavior can be both responsive and proactive. Responsive prosocial behavior is stimulated as a reaction to identifying unfairness or pain and viewing it as a signal that something must be done to reduce it and avoid such unfairness and pain in the future (Foundation, 2007). Proactive prosocial behavior is spontaneous and presumably motivated by a general concern for the overall welfare of others (What, 2014).
The perception of one’s deservingness of assistance is an important factor in eliciting prosocial behavior. The decision making model of bystander intervention is applicable when determining whether or not one will partake in prosocial behavior. The model includes the following five stages: 1) an individual must notice that something is wrong 2) they must define it as an emergency 3) they must decide whether or not they will take personal responsibility 4) they must choose what type of help to give 5) they must determine to go ahead with the chosen course of action (Collett, 2007). Through the psychological analysis of the founders and contributors of these international organizations it is clear that they were motivated to partake in prosocial behavior in an effort to right the wrongs of society, either reactively or proactively, showing that people do in fact care for each other.
World War II: Hitler
How psychology applies to historical figures and their supporters can best be understood by analyzing the life and decisions made by whom many consider to be the most evil man to walk this earth, Adolf Hitler. Carl Jung, a famous Swiss psychologist of the 19th century had the opportunity to meet with Hitler and study his behavior. Following their meeting, Jung developed an analysis which has been referenced by psychological groups for decades to further discussions of the man that was Hitler. It is believed that Adolf Hitler suffered from many psychological disorders, most notable paranoid schizophrenia and narcissistic personality disorder. Jung described him to be a sexless man, driven by a singular purpose. He believed that at the time of his meeting that Hitler was a bordering psychotic possessing a messiah complex that exhibited masochistic tendencies. Hitler’s strict characteristics intensified his narcissism and greatly affected his ability to relate to others. These character traits developed during his infancy as a result of traumatic life events, which included his dysfunctional relationship with his father. Hitler’s father was an alcoholic which placed great stress upon Hitler and his family. “Even as a ten to twelve-year-old, I had to take my father home from the bar. That was the most horrible shame I ever felt.” (Hylund, Boduszek, and Kilkiewicz 3). Hitler’s desire for the social destruction of the Jews can be attributed to the hate toward his father and his love for his mother parallels the immense feeling he had for Germany.
Why would people support and individual like this, someone that had the potential to strangle mankind and leave scars that are still felt nearly a century later? What happened couldn’t have been predicted but in Germany following the first World War, Germans weren’t certain who could be trusted. The embargoes placed upon the country following the war had a crippling effect on the economy. The Nazi party began spreading propaganda in the early 1930’s placing blame upon the Jews for the economic hardships. Hitler During the election in 1932, Hitler received 35% of the total vote and was placed in the position as chancellor to promote political stability and social hate. A year following his inauguration, laws were passed which forced Jews out of jobs and labeled them as second-class citizens.Recent studies of the election results showed that a majority of Hitler’s support came from first time voters and the young majority. His deceptive strategy fooled the young and unknowing, placing him in a position to cause massive damage to European countries.
Over 50 million people were killed as a result of World War 2, making it the deadliest conflict in human history(John Graham, 2016). It is also the most expensive war in history, many countries following the declaration of peace were left in a severe economic situation. Inflation and debt plagued Europe as a result of gold shortages. Germany’s monetary system had completely collapsed while countries such France devalued their currency significantly(International Monetary Fund 2016).Millions were displaced in Europe as a result of the bombings. Agricultural countryside’s were scorched and travel routes were in shambles making response efforts difficult. The shortages of food and basic consumer necessities were immense. A join effort was needed to support civilians affected by the war, which led to the creation of new international organizations.
These organizations that spurred to action to provide relief and justice included the United Nations, The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The United Nations brought justice for the people killed as a result of the war. Of the 22 Nazi leaders that were tried, 19 were convicted and sentenced to either death or life imprisonment(John Graham, 2016). These trials set a standard for how international criminal law would be handled for future conflicts.
UNICEF founding father LudwikRajchman, was vocal to the United Nations with his concern for the children that had been greatly affected by the war. He presented a proposal to the United Nations to provide resources and aid to the children of Europe. His proposal was accepted which resulted in the creation of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. UNICEF implemented a three-part plan of action to provide optimal relief which included nutrition, ground support, and field training for medical personnel. As a result of massive agriculture and infrastructure damage, milk for infants and children were widely unavailable which became a main priority for the organization to provide canned milk in great quantities. UNICEF received enough funding to provide clothing, food, and medical supplies to the millions in need.
To help the millions of displaced people following the war, the allies developed an organization which assisted in providing relief and relocation. This organization later became titled the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. Large camps were created around Europe, housing 4-6 thousand people each. These camps helped house the 250 thousand displaced Jews(United States Holocaust Memorial Museum 2016). The refugees were provided with food and clothing as well as vocational training.
These organizations provided the support and relief that the people of Europe desperately needed. The United Nations set a standard for future generations by bringing justice and humanitarian relief to those who needed it. In time these international organizations have only improved their relief strategies and grown to handle the evolving issues that many of our nations still face.
Organizations
Today the United Nations consists of 193 countries and is divided into separate branches. These branches include the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat.
The General Assembly is the largest UN body and is involved in policy making and provides an outlet to discuss international conflicts. The General Assembly is an outlet for the world’s opinion both politically and socially. Members of the other branches are selected by the General Assembly.
International peace relies upon the Security Council of the United Nations. It holds 15 total members, five of which are permanent (United States, China, Russia, United Kingdom, France) and the other ten are rotating member states.These members identify potential threats and decide how to resolve the issues either by mediation or by military intervention. Threats against peace include weapon distribution, conduct of war, illegal nuclear technology testing, and other various disturbances of peace. The Council decides what measures to take in order to preserve peace based on a two-thirds majority vote of sitting members. Permanent member votes are more significant as they can veto a potential resolution with their vote alone. The Council itself is divided into separate ad hoc committees to investigate issues and mediate conflicts.
The Economics and Social Council of the United Nations coordinates policy review and dialogue in order to make recommendations for social, economic, and environmental issues. It was established by the UN Charter of 1945 and consists of 54 members elected by the General Assembly for three-year terms. The commissions that are involved with the Council include the Statistical Commission, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the Commission for Sustainable Development, the Commission on the Status of Women, and the Population and Development Commission.
The International Court of Justice is the judicial organization of the United Nations. The role of the court is to settle disputes submitted by States in accordance with international law. The process of review must take into consideration international treaties and conventions, international customs, principles recognized as law of civilized nations, judicial decisions and teachings of qualified publicists of the nations. 15 jurors are selected to the court, each from different nations.
The Secretariat is comprised of the Secretary-General of the United Nations along with tens of thousands of international UN staff members. The Secretary-General is the chief administrative officer appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council, and serves for a five-year renewable term. UN staff members are recruited internationally and are involved in peacekeeping missions around the world. Members are required to take an oath of loyalty to the UN and do not take orders from home governments.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) emerged after World War II to aid Europeans displaced by the conflict. The birth of the organization followed many predecessor agencies, including the position of High Commissioner for Refugees on the Council of the League of Nations in 1921, the International Nansen Office for Refugees in 1930, the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Agency (UNRRA) from mid World War II to 1946, and the International Refugee Organization from 1946 to 1951. The Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established in December 14, 1950 and the UNHCR was later established on January 1, 1951 by the General Assembly of the United Nations (History). On July 28, 1951 the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees was adopted, providing the legal foundation for helping refugees and the basic statute that guides UNHCR’s work (History). The UNHCR operates under the following mandate:
“The High Commissioner for Refugees is mandated by the United Nations to lead and coordinate international action for the worldwide protection of refugees and the resolution of refugee problems. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country. It also has a mandate to help stateless people” (UNHCR::Mission).
The UNHCR is governed by the General Assembly and Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and reports annually to these bodies on the work of the organization. The High Commissioner is appointed by the General Assembly of the United Nations and the position is responsible for the direction and control of the UNHCR. The High Commissioner directs the work of the organization with the assistance of the Deputy High Commissioner and Assistant High Commissioner for Protection and Operations. The UNHCR also has an Executive Committee, which is composed of 79 members who approve the agency’s biennial programmes and corresponding budget (UNHCR:Mission).