Is the United Nations a Failure?

1. Set Focus
Frame the inquiry with this essential question: What fosters—and what prevents—peace among nations?

2. Read and Discuss
Have students read the debate and then answer the following questions:

• What is the issue being debated? How does it relate to current events? (The issue is whether the U.N. is living up to its founding principles related to preventing war. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and other recent wars have caused some to question whether the U.N. is failing at its original goals.)

• Evaluate why these two authors might be interested in and qualified to comment on this issue. (Brett Schaefer is a senior research fellow at a think tank focused on public policy. Angela Kane is a distinguished fellow at a global organization dedicated to reducing nuclear threats.)
  

• Analyze Schaefer’s view. (Schaefer argues that the U.N. is failing to live up to its founding principles. He says that the U.N. has done little to condemn Russia and China for the atrocities they have committed, and, instead, both countries remain influential members. He says this inaction reveals the organization’s limitations in preventing war.)

• Analyze Kane’s view. (Kane argues that the U.N. is not a failure. She says that it’s the only place world leaders can come together to try to resolve conflicts. She also says that it’s where the world goes to address international problems, such as pandemics and famine. In addition, she says the U.N. does important peacekeeping work around the world.)

4. Writing Prompt
In an essay, evaluate one of the debaters’ arguments. Assess whether the reasoning is valid and whether it’s supported with evidence. Point out biases or missing information..

5. Classroom Debate
Is the U.N. living up to its founding principles? Have students use the authors’ ideas, as well as their own, in a debate.

6. Vote
Go online to vote in Upfront’s poll—and see how students across the country voted.