Political Science – Discussion – Week 6

Refer to this week’s reading in your textbook about the United Nations (U.N.). The authors assert that multilateralism, such as the United Nations, is the more promising route to solving global issues. For purposes of this discussion, let’s make an assumption that the primary goal of the international system is to preserve peace and security. This does not eliminate other goals as desirable, but without peace and security we have trouble moving on to those goals. Now read this perspective about multilateralism from the Heritage Foundation found at:
http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/09/smart-multilateralism-when-and-when-not-to-rely-on-the-united-nations.

Play the role of a foreign policy advisor to the President. What are your recommendations concerning multilateralism? Specifically, how do you view the U.N. in this mix of international politics?