Journal Article 1: Sataline, S. (2017, October). Democracy Under Stress. CQ Researcher.

democracy_under_stress_Chernotsky3e_CH10.pdf

Abstract: “Many democracies in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Southeast Asia are veering toward autocracy, stalling or reversing decades of democratic progress. Leaders have postponed elections, jailed opponents, restricted personal and press freedoms and rewritten constitutions to legalize their actions. Freedoms have eroded in such countries as Russia, Venezuela, Turkey, the Philippines and Poland. In addition, Western democracies are struggling with economic, social and political instability, corruption, immigration and frustrated voters who have turned to populist-nationalist leaders for solutions. Donald Trump, elected president in a wave of populist fervor in the United States, has vowed to stop promoting democracy overseas and to withdraw from some treaties. Meanwhile, Russia seeks to undermine democratic institutions, free elections and liberal Western alliances, and China is wooing developing nations in an effort to show that countries can prosper without the constraints of democracy. Still, some observers are optimistic about democracy's future, saying that new democracies are emerging and others are showing surprising resilience.”

Journal Article 2: Price, T. (2012, March). Assessing the United Nations. CQ Global Researcher, 6, 129–152.

assessing_the_un_Chernotsky3e_CH10.pdf

Abstract: This article assesses the usefulness of the United Nations in a world that looks much different than when it was founded. It begins with arguments for and against the United Nations. This article then focuses on three key questions about United Nations operations: “Is the United Nations worth the money the world spends on it?”, “Do undemocratic countries wield too much power in the United Nations?”, and “Should democracies leave the United Nations Human Rights Council?” Next, it examines the history of the United Nations from its inception post-World War II up to more recent scandals plaguing the institution. Finally, this article highlights several current challenges facing the United Nations, including its role and responsibility in protecting Syria, Iran, and other states in which human rights violations are occurring, and whether or not funding to the United Nations should be voluntary.

1. About how much money does the United Nations spend on its peacekeeping missions and other activities per year? How does the United Nations raise money to support its core budget?
2. Of people surveyed globally, how many people think the United Nations should have more power versus how many think it should have less power? In which situations are people more likely to support United Nations Security Council authorization of military force?
3. Why has the United Nations failed to act on behalf of Syria? What problems within the United Nations did this failing expose?
4. Even though special rapporteur Ahmed Shaheed was not granted access to Iran, he was able to report on human rights in the country. What did his report reveal?

Learning Objectives: To understand the arguments for and against the United Nations and its operations. To assess the effectiveness of the United Nations.

Journal Article 3: Moore, J. (2011, June). Peacebuilding. CQ Global Researcher, 5, 291–314.

peacebuilding_Chernotsky3e_CH10.pdf

Abstract: This article evaluates the effectiveness of peacebuilding interventions, in particular those funded by the United Nations. It first defines peacebuilding, what types of interventions constitute peacebuilding, and what its successes and weak points are in general. This article then discusses a few critical questions, including whether or not peacebuilding works, if peacebuilding requires democracy, and if peacebuilding is replicable. It uncovers the evolution of peace processes, as well as limitations to current peacebuilding interventions. Lastly, this article examines the problems posed by the lack of progress and its effects on willingness to donate to peacebuilding efforts, as well as the role of peacebuilding in post-Arab Spring countries, which tend to be middle-income.

1. What is the difference between peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding? What kinds of activities may be described as peacebuilding?
2. What were the findings of Brancati and Snyder’s research? Why are elections deemed important by the international community?
3. What is meant by the “root causes of conflict”? How may this knowledge support peacebuilding efforts?
4. What are some examples of problems that limit peacebuilding interventions?

Learning Objectives: To understand the concept of peacebuilding and to explore successes and failures of peacebuilding operations.