The United Nations Resolution of December 21, 2017: The Idealist Theoretical Perspective

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VIII, August 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

The United Nations Resolution of December 21, 2017: The Idealist Theoretical Perspective

Charles Chidi Eleonu, PhD
Port Harcourt Polytechnic, Nigeria

Abstract – The idealists face hard criticisms and blame for not focusing much on how the world really is but on how the world should be. The significance of this paper is in its ability to actually help to expand the understanding of the implications of the idealist paradigm in particular and the liberal theory for world peace. President Trump of the United States on December 6, 2017 unilaterally declared Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The UN General Assembly with 128 nations in an emergency meeting held on December 27, 2017, pronounced President Trump’s decision null and void. This paper found that the General Assembly resolution and pronouncement stands despite the United States threat of withdrawal of funds to the United Nations and threat of denial of aid to other countries perceived as enemies of the United States. That the 14 Security Council members of the United Nations upheld the decision not to recognize Jerusalem as capital of Israel. That the unilateral decision of the United States was in violation of the Security Council Resolution 478 adopted in 1980 and the international law. In conclusion, this paper supports a framework in which relationships between countries can be analyzed and reinstates the position of the idealists in international relations that conflicts can be resolved amicably without necessarily going to war.

Keywords: Resolution, Idealist Paradigm, Security Council, International Law, UN General Assembly.

I. BACKGROUND

Idealists see the world as a community of nations that have the potential to work together to overcome mutual issues. This accounts for why early international relations scholarship focused on the need for balance of power system to be replaced with a system of collective security. These thinkers were later described as the Idealists (Burchill and Linklater, 2005). Idealists think that human nature is basically good and believe also that good habits such as telling the truth in diplomatic relations with other nations, education, and the existence of international organizations such as the United Nations to facilitate good relations between nations will result in peaceful and cooperative international relationships. Idealists believe that international law and morality are key influences on international events, rather than power alone. International law here refers to principles and rules of conduct that nations regard as binding.

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