Global Community - Research Paper Example

GLOBAL COMMUNITY Contents Introduction……………………………………………………………………….2 2. International Intergovernmental Organization: NATO….………………………..3 2 AboutNATO….…………………………………………………………………… 2.2. Key Facts ………………………………………………………………………… 2.3. Role within / without national boundaries…………………………………… 2.4. Association with other international bodies…………………………………. 3. Critical Analysis…………………………………………………………………… 4. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………. References………………………………………………………………………….. 1. Introduction “A Global society, bound together by a global sense of belonging, suggests a form of cultural homogenization, as well as an assumption of rational action" (OByrne, D. J., 2003, Pp. 122). The concept of a global community refers to an amalgamation of various cultures and nation states to form a mosaic of diverse organizations under some form of world government. These nations come together to form a mutually open yet a close knit federation that strives to benefit from economic, political and socio – cultural exchanges. International non governmental bodies such as the United Nations for instance, seek to reinforce the significance and relevance of individual nation states on a global platform. The past century has seen a rapid surge in global international organizations established for serving varied purposes and objectives and has ever since achieved a status of imminence across the globe. Their extensive scope of work in diverse fields has left a significant impact on the world communities and made their existence an inevitable element for the success and development of the modern contemporary world. The idea behind the formation of global communities is to ensure that the emergence of international organizations would help in developing common remedies for resolving shared concerns and conflicts among the member states and deal with common issues affecting them (Iriye, A., 2004, Pp. 10). This paper on International organizations seeks to portray the relevance and significance of such bodies in terms of modern global affairs. 2. International Intergovernmental Organization: NATO International organizations can be broadly categorized into two types: intergovernmental organizations and international non governmental organizations. International non governmental organizations refers to organizations or associations formed by private individuals or groups while international intergovernmental organizations refers to associations or institutions that are established through formal agreements among nations and are representatives of their respective governments. International organizations alternatively known as IGOs strive to work for the betterment of both - its individual member states as well as of the international community as a whole. IGOs vary widely in terms of size as well as purpose. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), for instance, is primarily a military alliance i.e., it aims to serve a single purpose while other similar organizations such as OAS (Organization of American States) for instance, serves multiple purposes that of economic development of its member states as well as democratic reforms. The following table shows the distinction between these two types of organizations: (Source: Kegley, C. W., Wittkopf, E. R., 2008, World Politics: Trends and Transformation, Cengage Learning, Pp. 164) The outcomes of the key issues discussed in such organizations largely depends on the quality of leadership displayed by each member state, the efficiency of intergovernmental decision making model, the precise selection of programs for appropriate action, the level of financing enjoyed by such organizations, and the ability of its secretariat. However, in order for the policies of such organizations to be effective and capable of providing adequate benefit to its member states, the countries must be equipped with a combination of - acceptable degrees of intellectual capacity as well as efficient organizational structure. (Simai, M., 1994, Pp. 315). 2.1. About NATO The North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO (also alternatively known as the North Alliance) headquartered in Brussels, Belgium; is an international intergovernmental organization and a military alliance which came into existence after the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty on April 4, 1979. It comprises of 26 countries from North America and Europe, with additional members added seven times after it was first formed. The foundation for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was laid on July 6, 1948 when the United States, Canada and western European nations held open dialogues on forming a defense pact to shield themselves against foreign aggression. Such a move was initiated in the light of the Soviet blockade on Berlin which strengthened the communist control in Eastern Europe. The Treaty was finally officially signed in Washington, on April 4, 1979 (CBS News, 2009). The sole purpose of NATO was to ensure collective security and freedom of its member states, through political and military means, which implied preventing the grouping of powers from joining hands with opposing camps, or collective defense whereby all the member states agree to protect and defend their fellow members against the invasion of external parties. It offers a common platform wherein its key members including the United States, Canada and the European countries are offered opportunities to come together and address issues concerning their security and take joint decisive action against them. 2.2. Key Facts1 Date Event Nov, 1961, 13 – 14 NATO disapproves the formation of the Berlin Wall and supports the role of Western powers in Berlin Dec, 1962, 18 – 20 U.S and Britain agree to provide part of their strategic nuclear forces to NATO Mar, 1966, 10 French President Charles de Gaulle withdraws from NATO’s integrated military defense Oct, 1968, 15 – 16 NATO denounces the suppression of Czechoslovakia’s “Prague Springs” under the Warsaw Pact Dec, 12, 1979 NATO supports the deployment of Nuclear Weapons in Europe 1989 Communist regimes collapse in central and eastern Europe July, 1990, 6 NATO summit in London offers political and military assistance the newly formed democracies in Eastern Europe Dec, 1990, 6 – 7 NATO supports the U.N’s resolution demanding the withdrawal of Iraqi troops from Kuwait but abstains from participating in the U.S. led coalition fight in the Gulf War in Iraq April 12, 1973 NATO implements a no – fly zone in Bosnia Jan, 1994, 10 – 11 NATO launches a “partnership for peace” outreach program for Eastern European nations Mar, 1999, 24 NATO commences air strikes against Yugoslavia in retaliation to the latter’s military actions in Kosovo. Russia opposes the move and severs ties with NATO. June, 1999,10 Yugoslavia consents to withdraw troops from Kosovo. NATO shifts its operation and initiates a peace keeping mission in the region. Aug, 2001, 22 NATO deploys troops in Macedonia to supervise the demilitarization of ethnic Albanian rebels and safeguard peace monitors Sept, 2001, 12 NATO invokes its mutual defense clause for the first time, proclaiming the attacks on New York and Washington as an attack on the whole alliance itself May, 2002, 13- 14 NATO drops its long standing disinclination to initiate appropriate action beyond the European boundaries, and acknowledges the need to deploy forces quickly wherever required. May, 2002, 28 NATO and Russia sign an agreement pledging combined effort to curb terrorism and control weapons of mass destruction 2.3. Role of NATO – within and without national boundaries NATO, along with its primary objective of protecting and defending its member states against alien aggression, has also sought the protection of civilian populations ever since its inception which is evident from the fact that it agreed to a disaster resistance scheme in as early as 1953. This move was in sync with its core beliefs that protecting civilian populations during a potential conflict would in turn be used in protecting themselves against the effects of natural or man made disaster. Moreover, disruptions in critical infrastructure such as transport and communication, caused due to natural or man made disasters has profound impact on trans national dimensions and hence interference from international organizations such as NATO can help in bringing stability that is beneficial for all mankind irrespective of differences arising out of geographical boundaries (NATO, 2009). It has played a significant role in bringing an end to the violent encounters that took place in Bosnia and Kosovo as well as initiated to bring peace in warring nations such as, the former, Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Currently, NATO led forces are striving to bring stability and peace in the critical war affected regions of Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and Darfur. The organization is also engaging in dialogues and seeking strategic alliances with non NATO countries with a view to assist them in overcoming the divisions caused from the post Cold war era and intends to extend security and stability well beyond their organizational borders (NATO, 2009). 2.3. Association with other international bodies NATO is associated with over forty different organizations and groups which includes NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency, Military Committee Meteorological Group, NATO Research and Technological Organization, etc among others. 3. Critical Analysis The organization is currently in debate owing to its enlargement initiatives primarily led by the U.S.A and Germany. Ever since NATO’s establishment in the early 1950’s the organization has continued its expansion drive with new members being added frequently, which is turning into a hugely debated issue within political circles. The recent turn of events, concerning the international institution, contemplating the inclusion of Russia and Ukraine is touted as one of the biggest expansions in the history of the institution after the inclusion of West Germany in 1956. Admission to NATO’s Membership Action Plan is a pre requisite for attaining the membership of the coveted institution and hence whether Ukraine is able to achieve the status is largely dependent on its relationship of Russia with the Western world. Other critical issues which the organization is plagued by include setting up of a foreign military base in Sevastopol. According to the existing mandate of the organization any potential member must not have the presence of foreign troops on its soil. However, the organization has proved to defy such policies and rules in the past, for instance, Germany was allowed membership in spite of the presence of Russian troops on its soil. Such occurrences in the past, clearly contradict the policies which the organizations stands by and raises serious concerns over its credibility. Moreover, Ukraine’s admission to NATO might culminate into devastating results from the country’s perspective considering the fact that the citizens are opposed to such a move and clearly desire their country to have neutral standing. A forced entry into the organization against the citizens’ wishes might prove to be fatal for the country’s future with the result that parts of its regions might opt for a fall out. Furthermore, such decisions might also lead to political consequences leading to adoption of military measures in a bid to resolve them. Besides the problem caused by the enlargement debate, NATO is also pondering over several other critical issues for instance, the role of Russia in the gradually developing Euro Atlantic security architecture, the willingness to accommodate the ambitions of prospective members, the desire to harmonize the endeavor of non member states particularly Ukraine, as well as the consentaneous sanction of all the member states by the parliament, to name a few. 4. Conclusion For over fifty years NATO has been involved in aspects related to direct military defense and security of its member states and has succeeded in neutralizing the might of the radical political forces including those that existed within the friendly states. Furthermore, it has successfully amalgamated the transatlantic nations and transformed the same into an unwavering international military alliance. Today, the organization has expanded well beyond the confines of defense and security to include civilian assistance extended to non member countries, since their meaning and context have undergone significant transformation. References Iriye, A., (2004). Global Community: The Role of International Organizations in the Making of Contemporary World, University of California Press, Pp. 10 Kegley, C. W., Wittkopf, E. R., (2008). WOrld Politics: Trends and Transformation, Cengage Learning, Pp. 164 OByrne, D. J., (2003). The Dimensions of Global Citizenship, Routledge, Pp. 122 Simai, M., (1994). The Future of Global Governance: Managing Risk and Change in the International System, US Institute of Peace Press, Pp. 315 NATO (2009). Crisis Management, viewed: March 17, 2009 from: NATO (2009). NATO’s Role in Civil Emergency Planning, viewed: March 17, 2009 from: CBS News (2009). NATO Timeline, viewed: March 18, 2009, from: < http://www.cbsnews.com/elements/2002/11/20/in_depth_world/timeline530178.shtml> Read More