Lịch sử Liên hợp quốc và trật tự thế giới

History of the United Nations and the World Order

Category: Humanities & Social Sciences – History

Founding of the United Nations

The United Nations (UN) was created as a result of the San Francisco Conference (I‑an‑ta) held in April 1945. Delegates from 50 nations gathered to draft and sign the UN Charter, which officially came into force on 24 October 1945. This historic meeting marked the transition from wartime alliances to a permanent international organization dedicated to peace, security, and cooperation.

• Key date: 24 October 1945 – Charter becomes effective.
• Location: San Francisco, United States.
• Significance: Established a legal framework for collective security and human rights.

Visual cue: imagine a hand holding three candles, symbolising the three core purposes of the UN – peace, development, and human rights.

Main Objective of the UN Charter

Article 1 of the UN Charter sets out the primary purpose of the organization: to maintain international peace and security. While the Charter also mentions the promotion of friendly relations and the advancement of human rights, the maintenance of peace is the cornerstone that guides all UN actions, from peacekeeping missions to diplomatic mediation.

• Preventing the outbreak of armed conflict.
• Facilitating peaceful settlement of disputes.
• Providing a forum for dialogue among member states.

Think of peace as a shield protecting the world from the chaos of war.

Principle of Non‑Intervention

One of the UN’s foundational principles is the non‑intervention in the internal affairs of sovereign states. This principle, enshrined in Article 2(7) of the Charter, means the UN cannot intervene in domestic political matters unless a threat to international peace arises or the Security Council authorises action under Chapter VII.

• Respect for state sovereignty.
• Limits on UN actions to external threats.
• Allows for peaceful observation rather than coercive involvement.

“No meddling, just watching” – the UN observes but does not intrude.

Key UN Organs for Peace and Security

While the UN has six principal organs, the Security Council is the body primarily responsible for maintaining global peace and security. It can adopt binding resolutions, impose sanctions, and authorize the use of force. The Council’s five permanent members (the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China) hold veto power, reflecting the post‑World‑War II balance of power.

• Composition: 15 members – 5 permanent, 10 elected for two‑year terms.
• Functions: Conflict prevention, peacekeeping authorisation, enforcement actions.
• Key phrase to remember: "Security Council = security guardian."

Mnemonic: “Bảo an = bảo vệ hòa bình” (Security = protecting peace).

Important Milestones: Charter Effectiveness

The UN Charter became legally binding on 24 October 1945. This date is celebrated annually as United Nations Day, marking the moment when the organization officially began its work to promote peace, development, and human rights worldwide.

• Day of celebration: 24 October.
• Significance: Marks the start of the UN’s global mission.

Think of 24 October as the UN’s birthday.

San Francisco Conference Goals

During the I‑an‑ta (San Francisco) Conference, the three major Allied powers – the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union – agreed on a common objective: the total defeat of fascist aggression and Japanese militarism. This shared purpose laid the groundwork for a cooperative security architecture that would later evolve into the UN system.

• Targeted Axis powers: Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.
• Resulted in a unified commitment to prevent future wars.

Remember: I‑an‑ta = “fight fascism together”.

Application of UN Principles in the South China Sea

Vietnam has applied the UN principle of peaceful settlement of disputes to its claims in the South China Sea. Rather than resorting to force, Vietnam emphasizes diplomatic negotiations, legal arbitration, and multilateral dialogue, aligning with the UN’s emphasis on non‑violent conflict resolution.

• Preferred methods: bilateral talks, ASEAN‑centric mechanisms, and international law (UNCLOS).
• Goal: Achieve a stable, mutually beneficial maritime order.

Visualise a negotiation table instead of a battlefield.

Cold‑War Era Territorial Agreements

At the I‑an‑ta Conference, the Allies delineated the Soviet sphere of influence in Asia, designating the area north of the 38th parallel on the Korean Peninsula as under Soviet control. This division later became the basis for the establishment of North and South Korea, illustrating how post‑war agreements shaped geopolitical realities.

• Geographic line: 38° N latitude on the Korean Peninsula.
• Impact: Created a lasting division that persists to this day.

Remember: “North 38° = Soviet zone”.

By understanding these foundational facts – from the San Francisco Conference to the Security Council’s role – students gain a clearer picture of how the United Nations influences the modern world order. Mastery of these concepts not only prepares you for history exams but also equips you with the knowledge to analyze current international affairs through the lens of UN principles.

Keywords: United Nations history, San Francisco Conference, UN Charter, Security Council, non‑intervention principle, South China Sea dispute, 38th parallel, international peace, world order.