United Nations

From Gothpoodle

Latest revision as of 19:30, 17 June 2010

The credibility of the United Nations Organization was badly damaged early in the century, when it proved helpless to prevent several major wars and international conflicts. This process culminated in 2025 when the United States withdrew from the organization entirely. U.N. headquarters relocated to Geneva, but the organization never recovered. The final meeting of the Security Council was held in 2034.

In 2100, many people would be surprised to learn that the United Nations still exists. In fact the organization never officially disbanded. Many nations continue to regard at least some U.N. institutions as useful, and are willing to maintain their existence. The General Assembly continues to meet to this day, with about one-third of the world’s nations regularly sending delegates. According to the U.N. Charter, the Assembly decides most questions by the agreement of those present and voting – so even though many member nations no longer send delegates, those that do can still carry on the Assembly’s business. Specifically, the Assembly continues to hold regular elections for the post of Secretary-General, and it manages the budget of the truncated organization.

Several U.N. agencies still operate, maintained by the Secretariat’s international civil service. The U.N. no longer recruits peacekeeping forces from its member nations, but when the budget permits it sometimes hires military force. Such employment of mercenaries is often controversial (and represents a significant departure from earlier U.N. policy), but it has effectively resolved several small conflicts.

See also World Court.