Module description
In this module students will explore the history, structure, and functions of the UN, developing an understanding of how international politics has influenced the operations of the UN over time, how the UN has itself influenced the shape and direction of international politics, and how the UN has contributed to the development and direction of international politics and international justice.
The module provides an opportunity for students to become familiar with the positions of influential world powers and their relations and engagement with the practices and role of the UN, their policies, their observance of political and legal principles, the conflicts amongst them, and how some of these political disputes have unravelled.
Students will also gain an understanding of the unique position of the UN within international politics and its involvement in a variety of critical issues throughout the UN’s history. The module will consider, for example: the promotion and protection of human rights; peace and security; conflict resolution; the advancement of social and economic affairs; and the application and enforcement of international law. In each topic students will be asked to consider specific case studies to gain an understanding of the key political dynamics within each and to assess the UN’s contribution and involvement in each such case study.
The course will also provide an opportunity for students to learn about the challenges and opportunities that the UN faces in contemporary international politics, to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the UN’s role and to critically analyse how the UN can evolve and operate to ensure its continued relevance within contemporary international politics.
Assessment details
2-hour written exam (50%) & 2,500-word essay (50%)
Educational aims & objectives
This course is designed to help students:
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develop an understanding of the history, structure, and functions of the UN;
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develop an awareness of the challenges and opportunities faced by the UN within contemporary international politics;
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understand the political dynamics of world powers and their relationships with the UN, in theory and practice;
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review historical and contemporary texts discussing the working and operations of the UN;
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challenge the assumptions and positions adopted within the text(s) under consideration; and
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
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evaluate the role of the UN in the practice of international politics;
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assess the prospects and limits of the UN’s involvement in addressing current and future issues in international politics;
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explain and critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of the UN and its internal organs in addressing substantive issues such as the promotion and protection of human rights, peace and security, conflict resolution, social and economic affairs, and the application and enforcement of international law; and
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offer suggestions as to how the UN’s role within international politics can be improved.
Teaching pattern
Provisional Lecture Information
Week 1: The Political History of the UN – The legacy of the League of Nations
Case Study: From the League of Nations to the UN in the 21st century
Week 2: Equitable representation: The role of the UN General Assembly as a deliberating forum for international change
Case Study: Small states at the UN
Week 3: The UN Security Council - Political spheres of influence and the veto
Case Study: The power of the veto
Week 4: The UN Secretary General – A leader for 7 billion
Case Study: The UN Secretary General selection process
Week 5: Actors in International Politics - The UN’s engagement with non-state actors
Case Study: The UN Global Compact
Week 6: Reading Week
Week 7: The Politics of International Law - The International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and ad hoc tribunals
Case Study: The War in Ukraine
Week 8: The UN and Human Rights - The UN and the promotion of human rights, humanitarian action, and democracy
Case Study: The UN’s application of the Responsibility to Protect
Week 9: A United Vision for Peace? - The role of the UN in peacekeeping and peace building
Case Study: Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo – why does peacekeeping succeed or fail?
Week 10: The UN and its role in economic, social and health issues
Case Study: The UN’s response to COVID-19
Week 11: Relevance and Reform - The future role of the UN in international politics
Case Study: The 75th anniversary of the UN in 2020 and the future of the United Nations
Suggested reading list
Students are encouraged to purchase the following as a core textbook for the module. Copies are available in the KCL’s Maugham Library. It is also acceptable to use / purchase alternative earlier editions.
Throughout the course students are also encouraged to read news articles from the following websites to keep up to date on recent developments within the UN.