Global Measures for Security and Stability in the 21st Century

The essay examines how various treaties and agreements like the UN Charter, NATO Treaty, Universal Declaration on Human Rights, and others have contributed to global security and stability in the 21st century. It highlights the role of these documents in promoting peaceful coexistence amo...Read More

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The Security and stability in today´s world
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The Security and stability in today´s world
Introduction
Indeed, the 21st century is relatively fee and safer particularly after the collapse of the
Soviet Union. Specifically, there are numerous measures that have been taken by states and
international organizations such as the UN to guarantee mutual existence and security of the
world (Keynes, 2004). The measures have been very instrumental in ensuring the security
and necessary stability of States (Rodríguez Aquino, 2016).
Some of the measures taken to ensure global security and stability
Charter of the Unites Nations (1945)
Article 1 of the charter of the UN clearly stipulate that peaceful coexistence must be
achieved only through diplomatic means that conforms to the principles of rule of law and
justice. This article has ensured that there is mutual existence among States who are under
strict obligations to respect the rule of law set by the international community (Kissinger,
2017).
Similarly, arcicle 33 of the Charter of the UN stresses on the significance of
preventing conflicts and settling disputes peacefully and in accordance with various measures
and mechanisms that include arbitration and appeasement. The 1945 UN Charter on human
rights has also helped in preventing and mitigating violence and conflicts by clearly
stipulating relevant processes that can be used to settle grievances.
NATO’s Washington Treaty (1949)
This treaty was formed to protect selected countries in Europe and North America
from armed attacks. Precisely, the treaty has a mutual defence clause (article 5) that can be
invoked in case a member state is under external aggression. The treaty has helped member
states to coexist with perceived hostile neighbours such Russia (Kissinger, 2017).

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Warsaw Pact Treaty (1955)
This treaty was a response by the Soviet Union to the formation of NATO which they
considered hostile and a viable threat to their own security. The members’ states inherent
desire to ensure and sustain their security resulted into this treaty (Kissinger, 2017).
Universal Declaration on Human Rights (1970)
The adoption and proclamation of the universal declaration of Humans Rights aimed
at compelling States to ensure human dignity especially when dealing with dissenting
opinions (Klabbers, 2004).
UN Declaration on Friendly Relations among States (1970)
The resolution aimed at defining relationships between States and ensuring peaceful
coexistence among them. The treaty also gave clear guidelines on how States could amicably
solve their varied differences (Klabbers, 2004).
CSCE Helsinki Final Act (1975)
This treaty aimed cementing security and cooperation Europe. The act also stressed
on the peaceful resolution of conflicts and non-intervention in internal issues among other
relevant aspects.
CSCE Charter of Paris (1990)
This charter brought together countries such as U.S. Canada and some Eastern bloc
countries whose primary motivation was ideological harmonization and political security of
their respective nations (Klabbers, 2004).
CSCE Copenhagen Principles (1990)
This document outlined various human rights principles and the fundamental
freedoms that included the right to peaceful gathering and association among others
(Klabbers, 2004). States that ratified this agreement were required to strictly adhere to its
various stipulations.

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Budapest Memorandum on Ukraine
This was an agreement signed to provide security assurances to Ukraine, Belarus and
Kazakhstan and to shelve them from the increased Russian aggressions (Klabbers, 2004).
UNSC Resolutions 1267, 1373, 1540, 1989
The UNSC Resolution 1267 imposed sanctions on individuals that were perceived to
be supporting terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida in Afghanistan while Resolution 1373 was a
counter terrorism measure that was passed after 9/11. Correspondingly, Resolution 1540 was
based on non-proliferation of dangerous weapons that could lead to mass destruction while
Resolution 1989 aimed at protecting the world from the increased threats posed by terrorist
acts (Klabbers, 2004).

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References
Keynes, J. M. (2004). The economic consequences of the peace. Courier Corporation.
Kissinger, H. (2017). A world restored: Metternich, Castlereagh, and the problems of peace,
1812-22. Pickle Partners Publishing.
Klabbers, J. (2004). Stephen C. Schlesinger, Act of Creation: The Founding of the United
Nations. International Organizations Law Review, 1(1), 214-216.
Rodríguez Aquino, J. L. (2016). Henry Kissinger, World Order. Foro internacional, 56(1),
212-217.