In the first chapter, I shall be evaluating the role of the U.N and the current state of play of international security. As in, is there a threat to international security, defining international security and how effective the U.N is at dealing with threats to international security
In the second chapter, I shall be going through the aims and ambitions of each of the three nations. For example, I shall be look at the reasons for ISIS’s actions within its caliphate and across the world. I shall also be looking into each country’s nuclear policy and the current diplomatic relations between these countries and their biggest enemies, and outlining and possible problems, which may arise from these fractured relations.
In my final chapter, I shall be discussing human rights. More specifically, I shall be talking about America’s international violations, for example, mistreatment of prisoners in Iraq and the various issues surrounding the notorious Guantanamo bay. I shall also be looking at forced labour camps in North Korea and the various mass slaughtering of civilians by ISIS. In this chapter, I shall also be looking at how America caused the threat of ISIS and other associated Muslim extremists, and so should be held accountable for any stemming actions of these groups. In my conclusion, I will conclude whether or not America is the biggest threat to international security.
At a glance
- Compares ComRes and Gallup International surveys on perceived threats to world peace
- Examines ISIS, North Korea and the United States as competing security threats
- 14 sources in the bibliography
Table of Contents
Abstract
Introduction
Chapter 1: International security: The State of Play
Chapter 1.1 What is international security?
Chapter 1.2 The role of the UN
Chapter 1.3 Is there a threat to international security?
Chapter 2: Aims and ambitions
Chapter 2.1 The aims of ISIS
Chapter 2.2 Reasons for ISIS’s actions
Chapter 2.3 North Korean diplomatic relations
Chapter 2.4 the complexities of nuclear weapons
Chapter 3: The horrific issue of human rights
Chapter 3.1 American and North Korean human rights violations
Chapter 3.2 Actions of ISIS
Conclusion
Objectives and Themes
The dissertation asks whether the United States is the greatest threat to international security, comparing its conduct and capabilities with those of North Korea and ISIS. It considers the role of the United Nations alongside diplomatic relations, nuclear weapons and human rights.
- Definitions and perceptions of international security
- The United Nations Security Council and responses to threats
- ISIS’s stated aims and the reasons given for its actions
- North Korean diplomatic relations and nuclear capabilities
- US nuclear policy and human rights practices
- Human rights violations associated with North Korea and ISIS
Excerpt from the Book
Chapter 1.2 The role of the UN
The United Nations (U.N) is thought of by many people around the world to be the biggest and possibly the most effective agency in existence responsible for keeping the international situation secure. In this sub-chapter, I shall be looking at whether or not this really is the case, and how effective the U.N might be in the case of a serve international crisis.
The U.N has a delegation called the Security Council, whose sole purpose and interest is to tend to for and maintain international security. It has 15 Members, and each Member has one vote. Under the Charter of the U.N, all Member States are obligated to comply with Council decisions. The role of the Security Council is that it takes the lead in determining whether there is a threat to the international security. It calls upon the nations involved in the dispute to settle it by peaceful means. In some cases, however, the Security Council can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international security.
However, the issue with the security council in its current climate is that it may not be in the most effective state to deal with the growing problems, such as the caliphate of ISIS or in fact the United states of America.
The reason for this probable ineffectiveness is down to the fact that ISIS is not actually a state, and therefore is not a member of the U.N. This means that the U.N. is powerless to impose economic sanctions on ISIS. Military force is the only option, however other members of the U.N would disagree with this action as military action by the U.N may end up doing more harm to regular citizens in Syria and Iraq, and it is difficult to distinguish between a Syrian rebel and a member of ISIS.
The second reason for this probable inefficiency with dealing with certain issues, such as those involving the USA, is that the USA is a leading member of the UN. In the case of military supporting being needed, most will come from the USA. If the issue concerns them, they would not send troops against themselves and so the UN would be left with very little military support. However, the Security Council could overcome this problem, if they manage to persuade other military pacts, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, or the Economic Community of West African States. However, this would be extremely difficult due to the large influence that the U.S has in the world and the formidable size of its army, navy and air force, and its huge military arsenal.
Chapter Summaries
Abstract: The author outlines the planned comparison of the United States, North Korea and ISIS, with particular attention to the UN, nuclear policy and human rights.
Introduction: The research question is introduced alongside the three subjects of comparison and the issues used to assess their relationship to international security.
Chapter 1: International security: The State of Play: The chapter considers the meaning of international security, the UN Security Council’s role and survey evidence on perceived threats.
Chapter 2: Aims and ambitions: The author discusses ISIS’s stated aims and motivations, North Korean diplomatic relations and the nuclear capabilities and policies relevant to the comparison.
Chapter 3: The horrific issue of human rights: The chapter compares reported human rights violations in the United States and North Korea and discusses ISIS’s actions and the author’s account of US involvement in the region.
Conclusion: The author brings the arguments together and identifies the United States as the greatest threat, drawing on the preceding discussion of military power, the UN and human rights.
Keywords
international security, United States, North Korea, ISIS, United Nations, Security Council, human rights, nuclear weapons, deterrence, diplomatic relations, terrorism, international intervention
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dissertation about?
It examines whether the United States is the greatest threat to international security, in comparison with North Korea and ISIS.
What are its central themes?
Its themes include international security, the UN, nuclear weapons, diplomacy, terrorism and human rights.
What is the main research question?
The author asks: “Is America the biggest threat to international security?”
What research method does the author use?
The dissertation uses a comparative discussion of published sources, including news articles, survey reports, reference material and human rights reports.
What does the main body cover?
It considers the meaning of security and the UN’s role, then discusses ISIS’s aims, North Korean diplomacy, nuclear weapons and reported human rights violations.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include international security, the United States, North Korea, ISIS, the United Nations, nuclear weapons and human rights.
How are public perceptions of security discussed?
The author compares a ComRes survey of British voters with a Gallup International survey concerning perceived threats to world peace.
What role does the UN Security Council play in the discussion?
The dissertation describes its responsibility for identifying threats and its potential use of peaceful settlement, sanctions or force, while questioning its ability to respond to particular actors.
How does the author approach nuclear weapons?
The discussion considers ISIS’s access to nuclear weapons, North Korean missile capabilities and the stated deterrence purpose of US nuclear policy.
What conclusion does the author reach?
The author concludes that the United States is the greatest threat to international security, based on the arguments presented in the dissertation.
- Quote paper
- Jack Griffiths (Author), 2018, Is America the biggest threat to international security?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/425692
