(Download) "Sources of Change in United States-United Nations Relations." by Global Governance # eBook PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Sources of Change in United States-United Nations Relations.
- Author : Global Governance
- Release Date : January 01, 2010
- Genre: Politics & Current Events,Books,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 282 KB
Description
Since the end of the Cold War, relations between the United States and the UN have oscillated between periods of friendship and friction. What accounts for the major changes in US-UN relations, especially in the realm of multilateral peace operations? This article argues that the two most significant turning points have come after the unexpected deaths of Americans: first, in Somalia when the William J. Clinton administration moved away from multilateral cooperation in UN peace operations, and, second, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks that served to drive the George W. Bush administration in the other direction, toward the UN. In both instances, the administrations changed their positions from staunch multilateralism or unilateralism toward moderation. Under the Barack Obama administration, we can likely expect a continuation of moderate multilateralism. KEYWORDS: United Nations, United States, peacekeeping, multilateralism. OVER THE PAST TWENTY YEARS, US-UN RELATIONS HAVE OSCILLATED between periods of friendship and friction. What are the sources of major changes in relations between the US and UN, especially in the realm of multilateral peacekeeping? Do changes in the US presidential administration, Congress, public opinion, or external events drive collaboration or dissonance in the relationship? If one surveys the recent trends, most often it is not a change in US presidential leadership that ushers in major relationship changes, even if we might expect that transitions between presidential parties would cause a change. In fact, the major shifts have taken place within administrations. Although the US Congress is often seen as a source of friction because it generally is not supportive of the UN, this condition is underlying and fairly consistent, so it alone does not explain change. Similarly, there has not been a wide fluctuation in public opinion over the past twenty years--Americans are supportive of the UN, but generally do not think that it is doing a good job. (1) Changes in the individual US ambassador to the UN can sometimes play a role in easing or creating friction in the relationship, based on the diplomatic skills of the individual, although often not significantly.