Lịch sử và nguyên tắc Liên Hợp Quốc

Understanding the History and Principles of the United Nations

The United Nations (UN) is the cornerstone of modern international cooperation. Established after the devastation of World War II, it embodies a set of foundational dates, organs, and principles that continue to shape global politics, peacekeeping, and sustainable development. This course explores the key historical milestones, the main bodies defined by the 1945 Charter, and the core principles that guide the UN’s work today.

1. The Official Founding Date of the United Nations

The UN was officially founded on 24 October 1945. On this day the Charter of the United Nations was signed and entered into force, marking the birth of the organization that would replace the League of Nations and become the primary forum for international diplomacy.

Key takeaway: Remember 24 October as the UN’s “birthday” – a date celebrated annually as United Nations Day.

2. Principal Organs Defined in the 1945 Charter

The Charter outlines six principal organs, but the most powerful in matters of peace and security is the Security Council. The Council is tasked with maintaining international peace, authorising peacekeeping missions, and imposing sanctions when necessary.

• General Assembly – a deliberative body where all member states have equal voice.
• Security Council – the only organ with binding authority on peace and security.
• Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) – coordinates economic, social, and environmental programs.
• International Court of Justice (ICJ) – settles legal disputes between states.
• Secretariat – provides administrative support, headed by the Secretary‑General.
• Trusteeship Council – now inactive, originally oversaw decolonisation.

Among these, the Security Council’s unique composition (five permanent members with veto power) reflects the geopolitical realities of the post‑war era.

3. Core Principles of the UN Charter

The Charter enshrines several fundamental principles that guide state behaviour. Understanding which principles are included—and which are not—is essential for interpreting UN actions.

3.1 Principles Included in the Charter

• Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states.
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• Non‑intervention in the internal affairs of other states.
• Obligation to settle international disputes by peaceful means.
• Commitment to refrain from the threat or use of force, except in self‑defence or when authorised by the Security Council.

3.2 Principle Not Listed in the Charter

The Charter does not contain a provision allowing the deployment of a UN army into conflict zones. While the UN can authorise peacekeeping forces, these are composed of troops contributed by member states, not a standing UN army.

Remember: The UN promotes peace, not a permanent military presence.

4. Peaceful Dispute Resolution: The Vietnamese Example

Vietnam’s approach to the South China Sea (Biển Đông) disputes illustrates the application of the Charter’s principle of resolving conflicts by peaceful means. By engaging in diplomatic negotiations, invoking international law (UNCLOS), and seeking mediation, Vietnam aligns with the UN’s emphasis on dialogue over force.

Lesson: The UN encourages states to use negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or adjudication rather than resorting to military action.

5. The Prohibition of Force in International Relations

One of the most important tenets of the Charter is the commitment to renounce the threat or use of force. This principle underpins the UN’s peace‑keeping and conflict‑prevention mandates and is reflected in Article 2(4) of the Charter.

In practice, this means that any use of force must be either:

• Self‑defence against an armed attack, or
• Authorized by the Security Council under Chapter VII of the Charter.

Key phrase to remember: “No fists, only words.”

6. The Cold War Context (1945‑1991) and the Role of the Five Powers

During the bipolar world of the Cold War, the UN’s effectiveness was heavily influenced by the interests of the five permanent members (the United States, the Soviet Union/Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and China). The principle that gained practical relevance was the need for consensus among the five powers for decisive action.

Because any permanent member could veto a Security Council resolution, the UN often acted only when the major powers agreed on a common course, highlighting the political reality that peacekeeping required the assent of the “big five.”

Mnemonic: “5 powers, 1 peace.”

7. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and What They Exclude

The 2030 Agenda introduced 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) covering poverty eradication, health, education, gender equality, clean water, climate action, and more. Notably, the agenda does not include a goal specifically aimed at limiting nuclear weapons.

While disarmament is addressed in other UN treaties (e.g., the Treaty on the Non‑Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons), it falls outside the SDG framework, which focuses on human and environmental development.

Remember: SDGs = 17 goals, none about nuclear arms control.

8. Recap of the Main Organ for Global Peace and Security

Across the topics covered, the Security Council consistently emerges as the central body responsible for maintaining international peace and security. Its decisions are binding, and it possesses the authority to sanction, deploy peacekeepers, or refer matters to the International Criminal Court.

Quick reminder: When you think of “UN peace and security,” think “Security Council.”

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• When is United Nations Day celebrated? – Every year on 24 October, commemorating the Charter’s entry into force.
• Can the UN deploy its own army? – No. The UN relies on contributions from member states for peacekeeping missions.
• What happens if a permanent member vetoes a Security Council resolution? – The resolution cannot be adopted, illustrating the power of the veto in the Cold War and today.
• Are nuclear disarmament goals part of the SDGs? – No; nuclear issues are addressed through separate UN treaties and agencies.

10. Conclusion

Understanding the UN’s history, its principal organs, and the guiding principles of its Charter provides a solid foundation for analysing contemporary international affairs. From the founding date of 24 October 1945 to the pivotal role of the Security Council, and from the emphasis on peaceful dispute resolution to the modern agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals, the United Nations remains a dynamic institution shaped by both its original charter and evolving global challenges.

By mastering these concepts, students of humanities and social sciences can better interpret diplomatic negotiations, assess the impact of geopolitical power structures, and contribute to discussions on global governance and sustainable development.