| − | The '''United Nations''' is an organization of countries all over the world, originally created to facilitate cooperation in [[international law]], international security, economic development, and [[human rights]]. It has since devolved into a radical debating society which has blocked most of the goals for which it has been formed. <ref>[http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20030501faessay11217/michael-j-glennon/why-the-security-council-failed.html Why the Security Council Failed], Michael J. Glennon, ''Foreign Affairs'', May/June 2003.</ref> | + | The '''United Nations''' is an organization of countries all over the world, originally created to facilitate cooperation in [[international law]], international security, economic development, and [[human rights]]. It has since devolved into a radical debating society which has blocked most of the goals for which it has been formed. <ref>[http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20030501faessay11217/michael-j-glennon/why-the-security-council-failed.html Why the Security Council Failed], Michael J. Glennon, ''Foreign Affairs'', May/June 2003.</ref> Critics view the '''United Nations''' as an agent for eroding the sovereignty of the [[United States]] and instead promoting forms of world government. President [[George W. Bush]] rejected and ignored the position of the '''United Nations''' when he authorized military action in [[Iraq]]. |
| − | It was founded in 1945 at the signing of the United Nations Charter by 51 countries, replacing the League of Nations, founded in 1919. The UN currently has 192 members, every country in the world except [[Taiwan]] and [[Vatican City]].
| + | The '''United Nations''' was founded in 1945 at the signing of the United Nations Charter by 51 countries, replacing the League of Nations, founded in 1919. The UN currently has 192 members, including every country in the world except [[Taiwan]] and [[Vatican City]].<ref>Switzerland finally joined in 2002. [http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2002/GA10041.doc.htm]</ref> |