Lịch sử hình thành và vai trò Liên Hợp Quốc

Understanding the History and Role of the United Nations

Keywords: United Nations, UN formation, San Francisco Conference, Yalta Conference, Security Council, principle of non‑intervention, peace and security, Cold War, Vietnam UN membership, international law

1. The Birth of the United Nations

The United Nations (UN) was created in the aftermath of World War II to prevent future global conflicts and to promote cooperation among nations. The decisive moment came at the Yalta Conference (also written as Hội nghị I‑an‑ta in Vietnamese) held in February 1945. Leaders of the three major Allied powers—Franklin D. Roosevelt (USA), Winston Churchill (UK), and Joseph Stalin (USSR)—met in the Crimean city of Yalta and agreed on the basic framework for a new international organization.

Key outcomes of the Yalta Conference included:

• Agreement to establish a permanent body that would maintain international peace and security.
• Recognition of the need for a collective security system that would replace the failed League of Nations.
• Commitment to convene a larger conference (the San Francisco Conference) to draft the UN Charter.

These decisions laid the groundwork for the UN Charter, which was signed on 26 June 1945 and came into force on 24 October 1945.

2. Core Principles of the United Nations Charter

The UN Charter outlines several fundamental principles that guide the organization’s actions. Among the most important are:

• Maintenance of International Peace and Security – This is the primary purpose of the UN, reflected in Article 1(3) of the Charter. It emphasizes the use of peaceful means to resolve disputes.
• Respect for Sovereign Equality – All member states, regardless of size or power, have equal rights and obligations.
• Non‑Intervention in Domestic Affairs – Article 2(7) states that the UN shall not intervene in matters essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state.
• Promotion of Friendly Relations – The UN seeks to foster cooperation and friendly relations among nations.

These principles are not merely theoretical; they shape the day‑to‑day work of the UN’s organs and influence how member states interact on the global stage.

3. The Main Organs of the United Nations

The UN consists of six principal organs, each with distinct responsibilities. The organ most directly responsible for maintaining peace and security is the Security Council.

• Security Council – Holds the authority to impose sanctions, authorize peacekeeping missions, and, in extreme cases, approve the use of force. It consists of 15 members, including five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) who possess veto power.
• General Assembly – Provides a forum for all 193 member states to discuss and coordinate on a wide range of issues, from development to human rights.
• Secretariat – Led by the Secretary‑General, it carries out the day‑to‑day work of the UN and implements decisions of the other organs.
• International Court of Justice – Serves as the principal judicial organ, settling legal disputes between states.
• Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) – Coordinates economic, social, and environmental work.
• Trusteeship Council – Originally created to oversee decolonization; its activities have largely ceased.

4. The United Nations During the Cold War

The Cold War (approximately 1947‑1991) presented a major test for the UN. The rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union often resulted in deadlock, especially within the Security Council where the veto power could block any substantive action.

Despite these challenges, the UN played a crucial role in:

• Facilitating diplomatic negotiations and arms‑control agreements.
• Providing a neutral platform for decolonization movements, leading to the independence of many Asian and African nations.
• Launching peacekeeping operations that helped to stabilize volatile regions, such as the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) in the Middle East.

Vietnam’s admission to the UN in 1977 is a notable example of the organization’s expanding membership during this era. After years of conflict and a complex political landscape, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) was admitted, reflecting the UN’s commitment to universal representation.

5. Vietnam’s Path to UN Membership

Vietnam’s journey to UN membership illustrates how the principles of the Charter—particularly the respect for sovereign equality and non‑intervention—were applied in practice. After the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, the unified Socialist Republic of Vietnam sought international recognition and a voice in global affairs. In 1977, the General Assembly voted to admit Vietnam as a member state, marking its formal entry into the international community.

This admission was significant for several reasons:

• It demonstrated the UN’s openness to new members regardless of their political systems.
• It allowed Vietnam to participate in multilateral discussions on peace, development, and human rights.
• It provided a diplomatic platform for Vietnam to address regional disputes, such as those in the South China Sea (known in Vietnam as the East Sea).

6. Applying UN Principles to the South China Sea Dispute

In the contemporary context, Vietnam has invoked the UN principle of "peaceful settlement of disputes" to address tensions in the South China Sea. This principle, enshrined in Article 33 of the UN Charter, encourages parties to resolve conflicts through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or judicial settlement.

Vietnam’s strategy includes:

• Submitting cases to international tribunals, such as the International Court of Justice, to seek legal clarification of maritime boundaries.
• Engaging in diplomatic dialogues within ASEAN and the broader UN framework to promote a rules‑based order.
• Emphasizing the non‑use of force, consistent with the Charter’s emphasis on peaceful resolution.

These actions illustrate how the UN’s foundational principles continue to shape the behavior of member states in complex geopolitical environments.

7. The Ongoing Relevance of the United Nations

Today, the UN remains a central pillar of the international system. Its ability to adapt to new challenges—such as climate change, pandemics, and cyber security—depends on the continued commitment of its members to the core principles established in 1945.

Key areas where the UN is actively engaged include:

• Peacekeeping and Conflict Prevention – Deploying missions to protect civilians and support political transitions.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Guiding global efforts toward poverty eradication, education, and environmental sustainability.
• Human Rights – Monitoring and advocating for the protection of fundamental freedoms worldwide.
• International Law – Strengthening the rule of law through treaties, conventions, and the work of the International Court of Justice.

Understanding the historical origins, core principles, and institutional structures of the United Nations equips students, scholars, and policymakers with the knowledge needed to engage effectively in international affairs.

8. Review Questions

Use the following questions to test your comprehension of the material covered above. Reflect on why each answer is correct and how it connects to the broader themes of UN history and function.

• Q1: Which conference decided the establishment of the United Nations?
  Answer: The Yalta Conference (Hội nghị I‑an‑ta).
• Q2: The goal "maintain peace and international security" belongs to which UN principle?
  Answer: Resolving disputes by peaceful means.
• Q3: What major decision did the Yalta Conference make for the new world order?
  Answer: Division of spheres of influence between the Soviet Union and the United States.
• Q4: In which year did Vietnam join the United Nations?
  Answer: 1977.
• Q5: Which UN organ is primarily responsible for maintaining global peace and security?
  Answer: The Security Council.
• Q6: How is the principle of non‑intervention expressed in the UN Charter?
  Answer: As one of the core operating principles of the organization (Article 2(7)).
• Q7: The formation of the UN responded to which need of the great powers after World War II?
  Answer: Establishing a bipolar world order.
• Q8: Which UN principle did Vietnam apply to resolve disputes in the East Sea (South China Sea)?
  Answer: Resolving disputes by peaceful means.

9. Further Reading and Resources

To deepen your understanding, explore the following resources:

• The United Nations Charter (official text)
• UN History – United Nations website
• Security Council – Official portal
• International Court of Justice – Cases and judgments

By mastering the origins, principles, and functions of the United Nations, you gain valuable insight into the mechanisms that shape global governance and the pursuit of lasting peace.