Daily Times

Peace is a global phenomenon which may not be established in parts. It is a chain which passes from every department of a state. It travels from one state to another, and when the chain completes its length and breadth, peace is born. Disturbance in any one link of the chain disturbs the entire cycle of peace. No doubt, peace is enforced in parts but simultaneously it is also threatened by a piece of land where it has lost its roots.

For establishing, maintenance and the restoration of peace, internal and external forces work at the same time. These categories contain components of perception, policies and planning, which further include economic, political and strategic components.

A problem or an issue can not be controlled only by establishing regional or international organisations or making bilateral or multilateral efforts. It needs collective effort. A war is never the solution to a problem. It increases or decreases the level of bargaining on discussion table.

There are a number of steps required to solve a problem. Firstly, it is necessary to assess the genuine reasons why the problem occurred. Secondly, a situation analysis is required. Thirdly, to listen and understand the warring parties and assess the nature of the problem to determine possible solutions for the problem. It means whether the problem has local or regional or international factors and implications. Lastly, according to the nature of the problem a possible avenue should be opted to resolve the problem.

Here some other elements should also be taken into consideration. Firstly, the wish of the warring parties is required to work for the restoration of peace. Without it, efforts may be initiated but the attempt may prove futile resulting in the loss of human life and property. Secondly, it is also required to protect genuine demands of the parties involved in the problem. Thirdly, every party must be heard in a way that it may not feel ignored, and lastly, the parties must be convinced to stop fighting if any is going on. It will protect the parties from further loss. Where a problem does not involve fighting this point will remain invalid, but this should be considered incase fighting starts in the future. Lastly, all the parties must be treated equally in talks and discussions. Unless this fact is not accepted, the peace process will not proceed effectively. When it is determined that two or more parties matter in the problem then it means the problem may remain unresolved unless all are recognised as equals.

There are a number of steps required to solve a problem. Firstly, it is necessary to assess the genuine reasons why the problem occurred. Secondly, a situation analysis is required. Thirdly, to listen and understand the warring parties and assess the nature of the problem to determine possible solutions for the problem. It means whether the problem has local or regional or international factors and implications. Lastly, according to the nature of the problem a possible avenue should be opted to resolve the problem

The United Nations replaced the League of Nations after the Second World War. One of the main differences of the two international bodies is ‘Collective Responsibility’. The League of Nations lacked this principle. Some analysts opine that one of the causes that thwarted the Third World War is collective responsibility. It means that member countries are equally responsible for maintaining global peace order and ensuring the rule of law. But, the international body is responsible and is deputed for achieving this objective and it must be allowed to make efforts neutrally and without compulsion and obligations.

There are at least fifteen outstanding issues on the agenda of the United Nations (UN). The world body has failed to resolve these problems due to its structural weaknesses to a large extent. Some faults are discussed here. Firstly, that permanent members of the Security Council are equipped with veto power, when any move is made which is considered by the permanent member as injurious to it or its ally(s) interest, the member exercises its veto power. Thus, efforts lose efficacy. No doubt, sometimes, this power has been exercised in the international public interest but it has also been confined for personal or group interest as well. Secondly, the world body is not capable of enforcing the wishes of the majority because of the will of an influential member. Thirdly, the world body has no independent territory for its headquarters. The delegations need visa from the United States (US) government to participate in its or its subsidiary body’s session and  the member countries finance the budget of the international body and its efforts for peacekeeping in every nook and cranny of the world, that is why economic powers can influence the body. On March, 2017, the US hinted on reducing the UN budget. The director of the US office of Management and Budget said, “We’re absolutely reducing funding to the UN and to the various foreign aid programs, including those run by the UN and other agencies.”

The UN General Assembly passed a resolution against the US’ decision for shifting its capital from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in 2017. In reaction, the US announced a major reduction in its UN budget allocation for 2018-19. It is said that the US provides about 22 percent of the UN budget. It gives impression that an influential member can question the performance of the United Nations.

Peace must be given a chance, so injustice can be addressed. A discriminatory approach will not ensure peace and prosperity of the world. Ultimately, it will lead to a happier community that is the real objective of existence.

The writer is an author and has a doctorate in Political Science

Published in Daily Times, September 29^th 2018.