Daily Times

Peace is a global phenomenon which may not be established into parts. It is a chain which passes from every department of a state. It travels from one state to another state and when chain completes its length, peace takes birth. Distortion in any one piece of the chain disturbs the entire cycle of peace. While peace may be enforced in certain areas, it also feels threatened from areas it has lost its roots.

For establishing, maintaining and restoring peace, internal and external forces work at the same time. These categories contain components of perception, policies and planning. The eruption of a problem or an issue may not be controlled only by establishing regional or international organization or making bilateral or multilateral efforts. It needs collective efforts and approach. A war has never produced solutions for a problem. It has increased or decreased the level of bargaining power on the discussion table.

There are number of steps required for solving a problem. First, it is necessary to assess the genuine reasons of the problem. Second, situational analysis is required. Third step is, to listen and understand the warring parties of the problem. Fourth, is assessing the nature of the problem to come up with solutions.

Here some other elements are also required to be taken into consideration. First, the wish of the warring parties is required to proceed for the restoration of peace. Without it, efforts may be initiated but attempts may prove futile resulting in loss of human life and property. Second the parties must be convinced to stop fighting, as this will protect them from further loss. Third, all the parties must be given equal treatment in talks or discussions. Unless this fact is not accepted, the peace process may not proceed effectively.

Some analysts opine that one of the ways World War III can be thwarted is through “Collective Responsibility”. It means that the member countries are equally responsible for maintaining global peace, order and rule of law. But, the international body responsible and deputed for achieving this objective must be allowed to make efforts neutrally and without compulsion and obligations

The United Nations replaced League of Nations after Second World War. One of the main differences among the two international bodies is “Collective Responsibility”. The League of Nations lacked this principle. Some analysts opine that one of the ways World War 3 can be thwarted is through “Collective Responsibility”. It means that the member countries are equally responsible for maintaining global peace, order and rule of law. But, the international body responsible and deputed for achieving this objective 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. The world body has failed to resolve these problems due to its structural weaknesses. Some faults are discussed here. First, the element of permanent members of the Security Council equipped with veto power. When any move is made which is considered by the permanent member injurious to its or its ally(s) interests, the member exercises its veto power. Thus, efforts lose efficacy. No doubt, sometimes, this power was exercised in the international public interests but it was also confined to personal or group interests. Second, the world body is deprived of the power to enforce the wish of the majority members on the will of an influential member. Third, the world body has no independent territory for its headquarters.

The delegations need a visa from the US government to participate in its or its subsidiary body’s session. Fourth, the member countries finance the budget of the international body and its efforts for peace keeping. Thus, it always feels threatened from its rich members. In March, 2017 the US hinted on reducing the UN budget. Director of 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 Generally Assembly passed resolution against the US decision of shifting its capital from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in 2017. In reaction, the U.S announced major reduction in its UN budget obligations for 2018-19. It is said that the US provides about 22 percent of the UN budget. It gives impression that an influential member may cloud the judgements and decisions of the United Nations.

Peace must be given a chance on the basis of merit, durability and addressing injustices. A discriminatory approach will not ensure peace and prosperity in the world. Ultimately, it will create happiness amongst people, the real reason behind the very existence of mankind.

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

Published in Daily Times, October 2^nd, 2018.