Good morning, everyone. Welcome to Panel II: “Yalta System, United Nations, and the Crisis of World Order.” In this session, we’ll delve into the historical legacy of the Yalta System, examine the role and challenges of the United Nations, and critically assess the current global landscape marked by profound crises. We have a distinguished panel of scholars and practitioners who will share their insights on these crucial topics. We’ll explore how past frameworks continue to shape present realities and consider pathways toward a more just and stable world order.
The Yalta System: A Post-War Legacy Under Strain (Biljana Vankovska)
The Yalta System, forged in the crucible of World War II, laid the groundwork for the post-1945 international order. It was, at its core, an agreement among the victorious powers to manage global affairs, establish spheres of influence, and prevent another catastrophic conflict. While it brought a period of relative stability, albeit one defined by the Cold War bipolarity, it also embedded inherent contradictions. The principle of self-determination often clashed with geopolitical realities, and the system frequently prioritized the interests of great powers over those of smaller nations.
Today, we see the Yalta System’s legacy under immense strain. The collapse of the Soviet Union fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape, leading to a unipolar moment that has proven to be fleeting and unstable. We are witnessing a resurgence of great power competition, a disregard for international law by some, and a growing frustration with existing global governance structures. The question we must ask is: does the Yalta framework, designed for a different era, still offer viable solutions for the multifaceted crises of the 21st century? Or does its inherent design contribute to the very crises we face?
The United Nations: Aspirations, Achievements, and Ailing Structures (Carlos Ron)
The United Nations, born from the ashes of two World Wars, represents humanity’s noblest aspirations for peace, cooperation, and collective security. Its charter, with its emphasis on sovereign equality, non-intervention, and human rights, was a radical departure from previous international instruments. Over decades, the UN has achieved remarkable successes in peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, promoting development, and advancing international law.
However, the UN also faces a profound crisis of relevance and effectiveness. The Security Council, with its anachronistic veto power, often finds itself paralyzed by geopolitical rivalries, rendering it incapable of addressing pressing conflicts. The General Assembly, while providing a global forum, frequently lacks the executive power to enforce its resolutions. Furthermore, the UN’s funding mechanisms and bureaucratic structures are often criticized for their inefficiency. Can the UN truly fulfill its mandate in a world where multilateralism is increasingly challenged and national interests often override global imperatives? We must consider whether fundamental reforms are needed to ensure the UN remains a vital instrument for global governance.
The Crisis of World Order: Economic Dimensions and the Rise of the Global South (Paulo Nogueira Batista Jr.)
The current crisis of world order is not solely a geopolitical or institutional one; it has profound economic roots. We are witnessing the unraveling of the Bretton Woods institutions, designed in conjunction with the post-war order, which have long been dominated by Western powers. The global financial architecture often exacerbates inequalities, perpetuates debt cycles in the Global South, and fails to adequately address systemic economic vulnerabilities.
Simultaneously, we are seeing the rise of new economic powers and blocs, particularly from the Global South. These nations are increasingly asserting their agency, demanding a more equitable distribution of power and resources, and advocating for alternative development models. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges. It can lead to a more multipolar and diverse global economy, but it also creates friction with established economic hegemonies. The crisis of world order, from an economic perspective, is a struggle over who defines the rules of the global economy and whose interests are prioritized.
Towards a New Paradigm: Decolonization, Self-Determination, and Resistance (Wisam Rafeedie)
The crisis of world order is deeply intertwined with the ongoing struggles for decolonization, self-determination, and resistance against various forms of oppression. For many nations in the Global South, the “post-war order” never truly meant liberation from external control, but rather a continuation of neo-colonial structures, economic dependencies, and political interference. The Yalta System, despite its rhetoric, largely solidified the power dynamics that allowed these injustices to persist.
In this context, understanding the crisis of world order requires acknowledging the voices and struggles of those who have historically been marginalized and oppressed. Movements for self-determination, indigenous rights, and liberation are not simply peripheral issues; they are central to the envisioning of a truly just and equitable world order. This requires a fundamental shift away from Eurocentric perspectives and an embrace of diverse knowledge systems and lived experiences. How can we move beyond the limitations of existing frameworks to build a global order that truly respects the sovereignty and dignity of all peoples?
Conclusion and Discussion (Ana Ester Ceceña)
Thank you to our esteemed panelists for their insightful contributions. We’ve explored the complex legacy of the Yalta System, the persistent challenges facing the United Nations, and the multifaceted dimensions of the current crisis of world order – from geopolitical tensions and institutional paralysis to economic imbalances and the ongoing struggles for decolonization.
