The Arab League was founded in Cairo, Egypt in 1945 as a loose union of the seven Arab states that were independent at that time: Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi-Arabia, Syria, Transjordan and Yemen.
The major goals of the Arab League are supporting the relations of its member countries, in the political, cultural, and economic field; the acknowledgement of Palestine as an independent state (The PLO is a member of the Arab League); the protection of common Arab interests; the arbitration of conflicts.
However the Arab League is reputed to fulfill none of its aims very well: Especially on the political field the Arab League fails regularily; the latest example was the Gulf war, when the member countries could not agree on a common strategy.
But the Arab League has some success on the cultural and economic sector, where the petroleum exporting countries transfer financial help to the poor countries.
The highest authority of the Arab League is the Council of the Kings and Heads of states. Other institutions are the League Council, Councils of Ministers, standing committees and some unimportant sub-organizations. Secretary General is the Egyptian Esmat Abdel Menguid, since 1991. The seat of the organization is Cairo.
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Association of Southeast Asean Nations (ASEAN)
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Association of Southeast Asean Nations (ASEAN)
The ASEAN was founded in Bangkok in 1967; founder-members were Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei joined in 1984.
The organization's goal is to support the co-operation of its member nations, in the economic, social and cultural field. The economic successes are not overwhelming by now, but the ASEAN is developing to an important political instituion in Asia, because its member countries coordinate their foreign policies very effectively.
The most important decisions are made at the summits of the heads of states and governments, other authorities are the Council of Ministers and some standing commitees.
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Benelux
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BENELUX
The Benelux was founded in London at September 5th 1944, by the governments in exile of Belgium, Luxemburg and the Netherlands. The purpose of the treaty was an economical integration of the three countries, to be completed with an economic union. The treaty was affirmed in 1946 by the post-war governments, and came into effect at Januari 1th, 1948.
The Benelux is based upon intergovernmental cooperation, decisions are made within the Committee of Ministers. The highest organ of the Benelux is the Council of the Economic Union, which prepares the decisions of the Committee of Ministers and takes care of the execution.
Advising committees are: the Advising Interparlementary Benelux Council and the Economic and Social Council of Advice. Judicial organs are: the Board of Arbitration and the Benelux Court.
In the 1950's the Benelux treaties stood more or less model for the West-European integration (EC). However, the meaning of the Benelux has decreased rapidly over the last years, due to the increasing importance of the EC. Nowadays many Benelux treaties are out of date or even in conflict with EC-law.
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Commonwealth of Nations
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The Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations is an organization of independent states and dependencies, centered around the British Crown. It developed from the former British Empire. Originally the name was 'The British Commonwealth of Nations', but the term 'British' was dropped after WWII.
Historically, the present Commonwealth is the result of the development to autonomy of the older parts of the British Empire, the dominions (Canada, Australia, ...). Especially their demand for full autonomy over their own foreign affairs, stated during WWI, was of large influence. In 'the Statute of Westminster' (1931) the full autonomy of those dominions was juridically settled.
After the disintegration of the British Empire most new-formed countries inherited the Commonwealth membership. Most member-states recognize the British King (Queen) as their monarch, but also the republics (India, Tanzania, ...) regard the King (Queen) as a symbol of the association of the independent members.
In 1947 the 'Burma Independence Act' was accepted. This gives the right to every member to withdraw itself from the Commonwealth at any time. Some countries have made use of this act: Burma (evidently), and the 'apartheid' states South-Africa and Rhodesia (the present Zimbabwe).
Primarily, the Commonwealth functions through intergovernmental consultancy and the periodical meetings of the Commonwealth Heads of Government. Since 1965 there is a common secretary (London), which promotes the multilateral consultancy between the members. It also administers the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation (founded in 1971).
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Community of Independent States (CIS)
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Community of Independent States (CIS)
On September 5th, 1991 the Congress of the People's Delegates sealed the end of the Soviet Union, that was to be converted to a federation of independent republics. Some bilateral treaties were made, and on December 8th the three slavic republics of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine founded the Community of Independent States (CIS). On December 21st the other former Soviet republics except Georgia and the Batlic states joined the CIS. Azerbaijan and Moldova left in 1993.
The CIS is neither a state nor a supranational authority; it is just a forum for the protection and coordination of the common interest of the member nations. Another goal is to fulfill the liabilities (e.g. foreign debths) of the former Soviet Union.
The highest authorities of the CIS are the Council of the Heads of States und the Council of the Heads of Governments. But the opportunities of the CIS are limited, because of the Russian-Ukrainian antagonism.
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Council of Europe
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Council of Europe
The Council of Europe was founded in London in 1949; the ten founder-members are Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. By now there are 31 member nations, and some Central and Eastern European countries have guest status since 1989.
The most important authorities are the Committee of Ministers, that meets twice per year in Strasbourg, France; the Parliamentary Assembly; the Office with about 900 employees whose Secretary General is at present Daniel Tarschys from Sweden.
The Council of Europe is a forum for international meetings and consultations. Favourite topics are the protection of the individual, protection of the human rights, support of democracy, improvment of living quality and cultural co-operation. About 140 important treaties and conventions have already been created with the help of the Council of Europe.
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European Union (EU)
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European Union (EU)
The European Community for Coal and Steel (ECCS) was founded in Paris in 1951, by the six founder-members Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxemburg and Netherlands. Its aim was a common market for coal, iron, steel and scrap metal.
Six years later, in 1957, the European Economic Community (EEC) was founded in Rome. Its aim was a common market for agrarian and industrial products. At the same time the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) was created, that should support the non-military use of nuclear energy.
At first these three organizations worked seperately, but since 1967 they maintain common authorities and a common name: The European Community (EC). One by one some other nations entered into the EC: Denmark, Ireland and the UK in 1973, Greece in 1981, Portugal and Spain in 1986. Other countries have already filed their applications for membership: Austria, Sweden, Norway and Finland will join in 1995. The name of the organization was changed to "European Union (EU)" in 1993.
The goals and future outlooks of the EU are a bit vague: Of course the EU wants to improve the economic and cultural co-operation of its member nations, but the extent of co-operation is a contentious issue: Some would like a European federal republic; others already reject the common market that has started in 1993. Some politicians would like to have a common currency, but there is at present no majority for that plan.
The most important authorities of the EU are the Commission, the Council of Ministers, the Parliament and the Law Court. The EU Commision is the executive body and consists of 17 people, that are appointed for four years by the member countries. The Commission is supposed to maintain the interests of Europe as a whole. It recommends bills and creates rules for the enforcement of EU laws, e.g. in the agrarian field. President of the EU Commision is the Frenchman Jaques Delors, until 1995. Seat of the Commision is Brussels, Belgium.
The Council of Ministers is the highest authority of the EU. Every member country sends one minister (foreign minister or subject minister), that decide on bills of the Commission. Because every country has the power of veto, decisions must be unanimous; due to that the Council is supposed to maintain the national interests. The Council meets at Brussels and Luxemburg.
The European Parliament (EP) in Strasbourg, France is de facto powerless. It is allowed to propose bills, to discuss, and to reject the budget. The MPs are elected directly by the people.
The European Law Court in Luxemburg consists of 13 judges. It can be appealed by every citizen of the EU, and decides on all controversies over European law which is superior to the national laws.
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North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
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North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
The NATO was founded in 1949 by the USA, Canada and ten European nations, as a defensive alliance against the Soviet Union. Accordingly it was the principal aim to support the security of its member countries by co-operation in the political, economic, and military field.
The USSR has gone, and the NATO is searching for a new identity: Right now the NATO-members perform their first "out of area"-mission, supervising the airspace over Bosnia and Herzegovina. So it seems as if the NATO might become kind of a "world police force" under the command of the United Nations. Moreover the NATO tries to engage in such fields as disarmament and cooperation with the former Soviet republics.
The NATO is structured as an alliance of members with equal rights, and important decisions can only be made unanimously. The highest authority of the NATO is the North Atlantic Council (NAC), where the foreign and defense ministers of the member countries meet if necessary. The first man of the organization is the Secretary General, at present Willy Claes from Belgium. He is chairman of the NAC and of the executive bodies DPC (Defense Planning Committee) and NPG (Nuclear Planning Group). Not all member countries belong to the military committees: France, Iceland and Spain are not militarily integrated, i.e. their national troops are not under the supreme command of the NATO.
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Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD)
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Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD)
The OECD was founded in 1960, as the successor organisation of the OEEC, that had coordinated the European Recovery Program (ERP) after World War II.
When reading the list of its members, it is quite obvious that the OECD is the top organization of the western industrial nations. Accordingly the principal aim is to coordinate and improve the economic co-operation of the member countries. Besides the OECD distributes some aid to developing countries.
The most important authorities of the OECD are the Council (of standing delegations or ministers), the executive committee, some committees of experts, and the secretary's office. The seat of the OECD is Paris, secretary general at present Jean-Claude Paye, a Frenchman.
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Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
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Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
The OSCE was founded |B01.08.1975|N by 35 countries by signing the final agreement of Helsinki. By now all European countries and the USA and Canada are members. Since 1992 it is a regional sub-organization of the UN.
The |Baim|N is stability and security in Europe. The final agreement contains priniples for the way of co-existence in Europe, like non-aggression, inviolability of the borders, human rights, etc.
|BAuthorities|N: The most important decisions are made at the biannual summit of the heads of states and governments. Moreover there is the council of the secretaries of state, the high committee in Prague, some other councils and offices, as well as the secretary in Vienna. Secretary general is until 1996 the German Wilhelm Höynck.
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Organization of African Unity (OAU)
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Organization of African Unity (OAU)
The OAU was founded in 1963 by 30 African countries. Except Morocco (because of its annexion of the DAR Sahara) and the Republic of South Africa (apartheid), all independent African states are members of the OAU today.
The principal goal of the OAU is to support the unity and solidarity of the African nations. It fights against apartheid and neo-colonial structures. Another aim is the maintainance of the current territorial borders within Africa. Moreover the OAU supports the cultural and academic exchange of the African countries.
The most important authority of the OAU is the annual summit of the heads of states and governments, but its power and influence is limited, because the OAU wants to avoid any intervention into the internal affairs of its member countries. Secretary General with his seat in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is Salim Ahmed Salim, since 1989.
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Organization of American States (OAS)
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Organization of American States (OAS)
The OAS was founded in 1948, in Bogota, Colombia. Nowadays all American countries except Belize, Cuba and Guyana are member of the OAS.
The OAS is supposed to protect the security and independence of the American countries. It shall arbitrate if an agression against a member occurs, and it is entitled to impose sanctions. The last time this happened was in 1982, when Argentina rejected arbitration in the Falkland war.
The seat of the OAU is Washington D.C., the most important authorities are the annual general assembly, the foreign ministers' meetings, and some expert committees, e.g. the Committe for Education, Science and Culture. Secretary General is (for five years) Joao Clemente Baena Soares from Brazil.
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Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
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Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
The OPEC was founded by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi-Arabia and Venezuela in 1960.
The aim of the OPEC is the coordination of the petroleum policies of the 13 member nations, e.g. by fixing common prices for the oil produced by them. Until the seventies the OPEC members produced more than 50% of the world's petroleum, enabling them to cause two oil crises in 1973 and 1979, by increasing prices sharply. But usually the OPEC members do not agree on their production quotes and prices, and other countries have increased their oil production anyway; thus the influence of the OPEC has become less in recent years.
The most important decisions are made at the annual conference of the oil and finance ministers. Other authorities are the council of governors and the economic commission. The seat of the office is Vienna, Austria.
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United Nations (UN)
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United Nations Organization (UNO)
Fifty states signed the "Charta of the United Nations" on June 26th, 1945. By the time now nearly every country of the Earth is a member of the UN, except Switzerland, Taiwan and some tiny states.
As the successor organisation of the League of Nations, the United Nations' primary aim is to support good relations between the nations and to ensure world peace. Thus the UN often arbitrates when international crises occur. UN-peace troops ("blue hats") supervise armistices in many regions of the world, e.g. in Cambodia and Israel. The gulf war was the first military mission the UN supported; up to now they tried to solve conflicts with peaceful means only.
The highest authorities of the UN have their seat in New York, especially the Security Council (UNSC), where the People's Republic of China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States are permanent members and have the power of veto. Therefore important decisions can only be made with the agreement of those five governments. Secretary General since 1992 is Bhutros Bhutros Ghali, an Egyptian.
The UN has several sub-organizations, e.g. the environmental program UNEP (Nairobi, Kenya) or the Children's Fund UNICEF (New York), whose aim is to support children in the developing countries.
Moreover there are many officially independent organizations that are closely related to the UN. Some of the most important are the
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, Rome)
- General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT, Geneva)
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA, Vienna)
- International Bank for Recovery and Development (IBRD, Washington D.C.)
- International Monetary Fund (IMF, Washington D.C.)
- United Nation's Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO, Paris)
- World Health Organization (WHO, Geneva)
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Western European Union (WEU)
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Western European Union (WEU)
The WEU was founded in 1954 as a mutual assistance pact of the Western European countries. In contrary to the NATO it does not have its own military structure and thus is has not had any meaning for many years. In recent time the WEU seems to come back to life, since discussions about an intervention in the former Yugoslavia have started.
The highest authority is the Council of Ministers, that meets twice per year. Other bodies are the Standing Council (London), Agencies for Questions of Security (Paris) and some other committees. Secretary General is (since 1989) the Dutchman Willem van Eekelen.
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World Economic Summit (G7)
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World Economic Summit (G7-Countries)
Since 1975 the heads of government of the seven greatest western industrial nations meets every year at the World Economic Summit, where they discuss topical questions of world economy.
The aim of the WES is mutual information and discussion about national positions and their coordination. In recent years the relations of the West to the USSR/CIS became more and more important, and in 1992 the Russian president Boris Yeltzin took part in the summit, as a guest.
The G7-countries do not really form an organization, because there are no standing committees or other bodies.
