US to leave the UN?

[Skoob]

I'll preface by stating that I'm not all that current on world politics. This may sound like a dumb question.

While traveling in the car over the holiday a saw a couple signs advocating the US ceasing participation with the United Nations. I'm curious. Why would anyone want the US to leave the UN? Was it some certain event (or specific series of events)? Or, is it just general disdain for the UN.

Is there anyone out there that thinks the US should depart from the UN or knows why someone would want us to? Please explain this to me.

[TomCollins]

[ QUOTE ]
I'll preface by stating that I'm not all that current on world politics. This may sound like a dumb question.

While traveling in the car over the holiday a saw a couple signs advocating the US ceasing participation with the United Nations. I'm curious. Why would anyone want the US to leave the UN? Was it some certain event (or specific series of events)? Or, is it just general disdain for the UN.

Is there anyone out there that thinks the US should depart from the UN or knows why someone would want us to? Please explain this to me.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ever take a bunch of guests out to dinner, insult you continuously, then foot you the bill? The UN is a joke. Oh no! We will write you a letter to tell you how angry we are!

[iron81]

The main reason given for the US withdrawing from the UN is that the UN is seen as a hinderance to US foreign policy objectives. The Bush Administration and neo-conservatives want a free hand to control and invade countries they deem a threat to America and the UN is one of the major reasons why we can't. The first instance I recall of this is Kosovo, but it reallly ramped up with the opposition to the Iraq war. Also, the UN is perceived as anti-Israel.

Another reason is that the UN is perceived as incompetent (failure to stop Iran's nuclear program) and corrupt (oil for food scandal).

Personally, I think this is all a bunch of bunk. The UN has an important stabilizing influence on the world and its charitable tasks like UNICEF and the WHO are important for improving the lives of billions of people.

[ShakeZula06]

Most of those that want to leave the UN are upset because the UN had the gall to disagree with the US invading Iraq. Some might be because of the Mike New situation. But Almost everyone against the UN are against it because they think the American government knows best in every circumstance. They are also (legitameantly) scared of internationalism, which is the only reason I'm against the UN and other world bodies.

[Skoob]

[ QUOTE ]
The main reason given for the US withdrawing from the UN is that the UN is seen as a hinderance to US foreign policy objectives.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm taking this answer to mean general disdain for the UN.

Follow-up question:
Did this sentiment surface during the current administration or has this been brewing for a while?

[Skoob]

[ QUOTE ]
They are also (legitameantly) scared of internationalism, which is the only reason I'm against the UN and other world bodies.

[/ QUOTE ]
Please explain the term, "internationalism."

[iron81]

Its been around for a while. Remember people yelling about "black helicopters"? The helicopters were operated by the UN.

Internationalism is the shifting of power from national and local governments to international organizations like the UN and the WTO.

[Skoob]

[ QUOTE ]
Its been around for a while. Remember people yelling about "black helicopters"? The helicopters were operated by the UN.

[/ QUOTE ]
I don't recall this. Can you elaborate?

[iron81]

There was a fear among far right wing elements in America that the American government was being weakened and taken over by the UN. Foreigners were going to start dictating American policy and arresting American citizens.

[ShakeZula06]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
They are also (legitameantly) scared of internationalism, which is the only reason I'm against the UN and other world bodies.

[/ QUOTE ]
Please explain the term, "internationalism."

[/ QUOTE ]
Dictionary
[ QUOTE ]
in·ter·na·tion·al·ism /ˌɪntərˈnæ& #643;ənlˌɪzəm/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[in-ter-nash-uh-nl-iz-uhm] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun 1. the principle of cooperation among nations, for the promotion of their common good, sometimes as contrasted with nationalism, or devotion to the interests of a particular nation.
2. international character, relations, cooperation, or control.
3. (initial capital letter) the principles or methods of a communist or socialist International.


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[Origin: 1850–55; international + -ism]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source in·ter·na·tion·al·ism (ĭn'tər-nāsh'ə-nə-lĭz'əm) Pronunciation Key
n.
The condition or quality of being international in character, principles, concern, or attitude.
A policy or practice of cooperation among nations, especially in politics and economic matters.

in'ter·na'tion·al·ist n.

(Download Now or Buy the Book) The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
WordNet - Cite This Source internationalism

noun
1. the doctrine that nations should cooperate because their common interests are more important than their differences [ant: nationalism]
2. quality of being international in scope; "he applauded the internationality of scientific terminology" [syn: internationality]

WordNet® 2.1, © 2005 Princeton University
American Heritage New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition - Cite This Source
internationalism


The view that nations should cooperate in international organizations, such as the United Nations, to settle disputes.


[Chapter:] World Politics

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