1. Did the Philippines really win this dispute in the West Philippine Sea?
According to the critique paper, the Philippines did win the arbitration
case against China in 2016, but the victory was more symbolic than
substantive. The paper argues that the Philippines' win was "hollow"
because it did not lead to any significant changes on the ground. China
continued to assert its claims over the disputed waters, and the situation
remained unchanged.
2. Explain why the UN cannot enforce the decision, what impression
does it give about the UN brand of global governance?
The UN cannot enforce the decision because it lacks the power to do so.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling was a binding decision, but
it relied on the parties involved to comply voluntarily. The UN Security
Council, which is responsible for maintaining international peace and
security, cannot enforce the decision because it is subject to the veto
power of its five permanent members, including China.
This limitation gives the impression that the UN brand of global
governance is weak and ineffective in resolving conflicts between
powerful nations. It suggests that the UN is unable to enforce its
decisions and protect the interests of smaller nations, which can
undermine its credibility and legitimacy.
3. Research on the conflicts around the world, highlight the role played
by the UN in these conflicts.
The UN has played a significant role in various conflicts around the
world, including:
Korean War (1950-1953): The UN authorized a coalition of countries to
defend South Korea against North Korean aggression.
Congo Crisis (1960-1965): The UN deployed a peacekeeping force to
maintain order and stability in the newly independent Congo.
Gulf War (1990-1991): The UN authorized a coalition of countries to
liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.
Bosnian War (1992-1995): The UN deployed a peacekeeping force to
protect civilians and maintain a ceasefire in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Rwanda Genocide (1994): The UN failed to intervene to stop the
genocide, which led to widespread criticism of its inaction.
Syrian Civil War (2011-present): The UN has been involved in various
diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, but its efforts have been
hindered by the veto power of Russia and China.
In many cases, the UN has played a crucial role in preventing the
escalation of conflicts and promoting peaceful resolutions. However, its
limitations, such as the veto power of the Security Council, have
hindered its ability to effectively respond to conflicts.
4. Reflect on the following as the UN successfully fulfilled its mandate in
the realm of global governance.
It is challenging to argue that the UN has successfully fulfilled its
mandate in the realm of global governance, given its limitations and
failures in various conflicts. While the UN has achieved some successes,
such as maintaining peace and stability in certain regions, it has also
faced criticism for its inaction and ineffectiveness in responding to
conflicts.
The UN's inability to enforce its decisions and protect the interests of
smaller nations, as seen in the West Philippine Sea dispute, raises
questions about its effectiveness in promoting global governance. To
improve its performance, the UN needs to address its limitations and
work towards reforming its structures and processes to better respond
to the complex challenges of global governance.
