ブックタイトル佐藤栄作論文集９～１６

概要

佐藤栄作論文集９～１６

FRAMEWORK FOR ACTIONS: New Problems, Old JustificationsThe question is: Who should take up the lead in resolving all these problems? Ifthe UN were to lead, does the Charter provide any mandate for the organizationto venture into this problem area? More specifically, following the guidelines speltout at the outset of this Essay, what are the justifications for the UN's involvement?Equally important, should it decide to take the lead, does the UN have the expertise,experience and resources to handle these problems?The very nature of ethnic conflicts, namely as internal problem within a state --and not between states -- raises a fundamental question regarding the legitimacy ofthe UN's involvement. To some, the UN initiatives on the matter, well-intended as itmay be, could be perceived as interference in one's internal affairs. As such, the UN'sinvolvement would very likely cause rows with the“hard-liners,”i.e. those ferociouslyadhering to the concept of inviolability of sovereignty.There is also the question of credibility regarding the UN's performance: from longyears of paralysis, to late, incoherent, and -- not uncommonly -- ineffectual, actions.Admittedly, there are marked improvements in some of the UN's more recentengagements. Of late, this includes active mediation by the Secretary-General, Mr.Kofi Annan, leading to a referendum, and based on this, independence, of East Timor.Still, when it comes to operations in the field, especially one involving force or militaryactions, negative images of the past do not go away easily, like the debacles inSomalia or Rwanda. In addition, although much less discernible compared to the ColdWar era, differences in perceptions and interests among the permanent members ofthe Security Council continue to be unabated and hinder the organization from takingtimely and effective collective action. Hence, the tendency by some powerful states tobypass the UN and launch self-justified‘peace crusade’on their own thought a limited814