top of page
Geoglobal Politics
Just like individuals, countries do not like to be told what to do. This world is anarchic, meaning that no one rules the world. The United Nations was founded after World War II and originally included 51 countries. Now it is the largest ruling body where 193 members, or countries, are represented. So if the United Nations has the greatest potential to create change, what is holding it back?
​
Tension between leading countries has often held back progress in the United Nations. The United Nations was split during the Cold War as the USA and Russia quarreled over communism. This shows one of the main downsides of the United Nations. They lack any real power to control dominant countries.
​
​
​
This lack of power still shows today as progress in the United Nations' court room may not translate to real progress. The Paris Agreement includes 189 nations and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are causing the global temperature increase. However, none of the major countries in the Paris Agreement are on track to meet their goals. Developing countries like China and India need all of the energy they can get. The easiest and quickest way to produce this energy is fossil fuels, resulting in more global warming and less cooperation with the United Nations.
​
The United Nations hosted a climate change convention in 1992, but the Paris Agreement was not signed until 2015. This gap in time connects all three issues discussed today. Individuals by nature do not mix well with long-term and complex issues such as climate change. Countries place other interests ahead of the climate in domestic policy as short-term corrections are important for hundreds of underdeveloped countries. Finally, tensions between countries and a lack of control means no progress globally.
​
Be sure to check out the Recommended Readings page for more resources.
bottom of page