Realism and Post-Colonial Theory in Context of Effectiveness of UN

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of the UN in reference to the theories of realism and post-colonial theory. It explores the international system of the 21st century and the role of the UN in maintaining peace and security.

Running head: REALISM AND POST-COLONIAL THEORY
Realism and post-colonial theory in context of effectiveness of UN
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1Realism and post-colonial theory in context of effectiveness of UN
Introduction
The aim of this paper is to evaluate and understand the issue of effectiveness of the UN in
reference to the theories of realism and post-colonial theory. According to the realist theory of
international relations, it has been observed that the states are in inherent struggle for survival in
the international system and central role of the state that dominated the internationals scenario
(Bell, 2017). After the Second World War, the international scenario was dominated by the
theories of international relations and realism is the most predominate in explaining the structure
of the international system at this juncture of history (Bell et al., 2017). On the other hand,
theories of post-colonialism emerged as the response to study the effect of colonialism on the
third world countries by the European nations (Behr et al., 2017). The rationale behind the choice
of these two theories is that it is necessary to understand the effectiveness of the existence of
United nations by considering these two perspectives to understand which of the theories best
explain the international system of 21st century?
Discussion
The demand of peace and stability at the international platform post second world war
necessitated the establishment one of the most powerful organization at the international forum.
51nations of the world gathered at San Francisco to sign the international document for the
establishment of the organization (Dreher et al., 2016). According to theory of Realism, it has
been argued that the existence of the international government is futile since state is the replicas
of the basic human nature which is inherently in struggle with each other for survival (Bell,
2017). According to this theory, the international system is the sphere of power and interest and

2Realism and post-colonial theory in context of effectiveness of UN
it is not possible to restraint the effectiveness of UN, it is important to consider the fact that
realism believes in the quest for power nature of the states which are significant part of the
international system that does not leave space for the UN to act independently since it is there
are threat of conflict prevailing on the global platform due to the inherent nature of the states,
hence the idea of effectiveness of UN comes into question (Bell, 2017). In addition to this, it is
also important to consider that the victorious power of the world wars went on forming the
international organization that aims at securing peace at the world system. Form the post-colonial
perspective, it can be argued that the establishment the international body of reflective of the
dominance of the powerful European nations of the world which is restrictive of the “oriental”
voice of the Deep South (Chrisman et al., 2018). It can be viewed as the view of the west
towards the East as the “other” makes it ineffectiveness role of the UN. Moreover it is also
important to consider the fact that international institutions are the protector of the voices of all
in order to ensure peace, which is not present in case of the UN. The aim of such organizations to
protect the interest of all the nations are refuted by the loss of their national identity under the
pressure of the Western nations and the space of residual effects of colonialism are under threat.
It can also be argued that the Western representation of race, identity and power structure has
failed to obliterate since UN is the amalgamation of interest by the powerful European nations
and dominated by the equal power structure at the international platform (Bell et al., 2017). To
question the effectiveness of UN, it is essential to note that the freedom ensured to the nations for
raising the pressing issues of the international concerns are guided by the permanent member
states where the interest of the poorer nations of the world are less likely to highlight their issues
or concern (Gandhi, 2019). From the point of view of realism, it can be argued that the
effectiveness of UN is futile since sates will always try to match the balance of power in the

3Realism and post-colonial theory in context of effectiveness of UN
international system which is already guided by unequal power relations hence it will reinforce
unequal power structure. Considering the realist view of the system, state do prefer the absolute
over relative gain which is not in favor of the interest of the poorer nations(Jackson et al., 2019).
hence it can be derived from the above discussion that the effectiveness of the UN can be called
into question due to the nature of proliferating the power of the powerful nations at the
international system.
However it cannot be denied that states pursue their national interest at the international
system and the UN holds the position of a mediator where the acceptable of different ideologies
and opinions are to be respected with equal consideration.Howevere in case of Un the situation is
equal for all the member nations.
The concept of an international organization is based on the system of interaction between the
participating nations of the world in their process of decision making, however in case of the
UN, the power display is unequal in nature which is in favor of the western nations of the world
since they are guided by the interest moreover of the considerations of the Realism is taken , it
can be said that states compete with each other in the anarchic world and there is an absolute
absence of the international governance to ensure peace (Gandhi, 2019). However the role of
the UN has been to ensure “peace” at the global platform which is reflective of the fact that states
are in constant tussle with each other and it is only their struggle that can lead to the plausible
situation. In case of the UN, the interest of the P5 nations is given more consideration since they
supply money to maintain the international organization (Lagon et al., 2017). Moreover in case
of the peacekeeping aspects of the UN, it is to be noted that peacekeeping is not always effective
in the international system. For example, in case of Rwanda, the peacekeeping force of the UN
could not protect the genocide of the Rwandan civilian in ensuring peace. Lastly, in case of the

4Realism and post-colonial theory in context of effectiveness of UN
design of the international organization, it is crucial to note that decisions are undertaken
considering the interest of the powerful nations.
Hence it can be argued that the effectiveness of UN can be called into question due the factors
of unequal representations of the nations of the West which are not effectively represented in the
international system, it is also due to the fcat that organizations of this stature is likely to be
represented equally by taking into consideration of different ontologism and epistemologies
rather than the self-interests of the powerful nations (Williams et al., 2015). In terms of the roles
and responsibilities of the UN, it has failed to cater to the interest of the third world nations of
the world. Un has largely depended on the interest of the powerful nations which is hindering it
from taking effective decisions at the global forum. Moreover, the structure of the international
system as anarchy is questioned by the presence of such institutions which is not able to install
peace in the international system. Form point of view of the post colonial countries, it is a new
form of “colonialism” of the western nations without them being physically present in these
countries. hence it can be concluded that the UN and the role of the security council is ineffective
in the context of the present global structure where the interest of the nations are not given
enough importance and it is largely guided by the interest of the western nations who enjoy a
certain level of dominance at the security council (Williams et al., 2015). Unless it is able to
work with the multiplicity of epistemologies, it is very is likely to justify its position in the
international platform.
Conclusion
This paper made an analysis of the effectiveness of the UN in the international system form the
point of view of the realist and post-colonial; theories of international relations. It has been

5Realism and post-colonial theory in context of effectiveness of UN
observed that the realism is the theory of states interplaying their survival in the international
system. While on the other hand, the theories represented by the Post-colonial theories explain
the fate of the third world countries in der the international order dominated by Euro-centrism.
With due consideration of the unequal power structure at the international platform, it is not to
deny that the UN plays a significant role ensuring international peace and security. in addition to
this, it is also to be noted that the role of UN in consolidating peace has bore fruits in some
situation, it is also crucial to remember that UN along with the third world nations have been
able to combat terrorism and prevent genocide in number of cases. Hence it can be concluded
that UN has played an important role in number of situation irrespective of its existence and
effectiveness being called into question number of times.

6Realism and post-colonial theory in context of effectiveness of UN
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