Political Science – Semester V
Course Details
Particular Details
Subject Political Science
Semester 5th Semester
Course Code POL4500304MJ
Course Name United Nations and Global Conflicts
Major/Minor Major
Course Category Elective
Course Type Theory
Credit 4
Existing Base Syllabus Yes
Course Level 300–399
Theory (End-Term Examination) 60 Marks
Internal/Sessional Examination 40 Marks
Practical Credit 0
No. of Required Classes 60
No. of Contact Classes 60
No. of Non-Contact Classes 0
Course Objectives
This course aims to:
1. Provide a comprehensive introduction to the most important multilateral political organization in international relations.
2. Explain the organizational structure and political processes of the United Nations and examine how the organization has evolved since 1945, particularly in dealing with major global conflicts.
3. Develop a critical understanding of the performance of the United Nations and examine the processes and imperatives of reforming the organization in the context of the contemporary global system.
Course Outcomes
After completing the course, students will be able to:
CO1. Locate the historical perspective and importance of the United Nations as an organization.
CO2. Develop knowledge of the political processes of the United Nations.
CO3. Examine the role of the United Nations as an instrument of conflict resolution.
CO4. Critically analyze the relevance and role of the United Nations and its specialized agencies in global conflicts.
CO5. Construct an analysis of the key conflicts that have shaped contemporary global politics.
Course Syllabus
Unit I: The United Nations
1. A Historical Overview of the United Nations
Historical background and emergence of the United Nations
Establishment of the UN in 1945
Evolution of the United Nations in international relations
2. Principles and Objectives
Principles of the United Nations
Objectives and purposes of the UN
Role of the UN in maintaining international peace and security
3. Structures and Functions
The major organs covered under this unit are:
General Assembly
Security Council
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
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Unit II: The United Nations in Conflict Resolution
1. Collective Security during the Cold War
Concept of collective security
UN and the Cold War
Limitations and challenges of collective security
2. Peacekeeping, Peacemaking and Enforcement
UN Peacekeeping
Peacemaking
Peace enforcement
Role of the United Nations in conflict management
3. Peacebuilding
Concept of peacebuilding
Post-conflict reconstruction
UN role in establishing sustainable peace
4. Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
Meaning and evolution of R2P
Humanitarian intervention and international responsibility
UN and protection of populations from mass atrocities
5. Reforming the UN
Need for UN reform
Major areas of reform
Security Council reform
Challenges to restructuring the United Nations
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Unit III: Specialized Agencies of the UN: Role and Challenges
1. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Objectives and functions
Role in development
Human development and poverty reduction
2. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Role in global environmental governance
Environmental protection
International environmental cooperation
3. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Protection of refugees
Humanitarian assistance
Role in addressing refugee crises
4. World Health Organization (WHO)
Global health governance
Functions and responsibilities
Role during international health emergencies
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Unit IV: Major Global Conflicts Since the End of the Cold War
1. The War in Afghanistan
Background and causes
Major developments
International intervention
Role of the United Nations
2. The War in Iraq
Background and causes
2003 Iraq War
International involvement
UN and post-war challenges
3. The War in Ukraine
Background of the Russia–Ukraine conflict
Major developments
Humanitarian and geopolitical consequences
Role and challenges of the United Nations
4. The War in Iran and West Asia
Iran and regional conflicts
Major conflicts in West Asia
International involvement
Role of the United Nations in conflict resolution
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Examination Pattern
End-Term Theory Examination: 60 Marks
Internal/Sessional Examination: 40 Marks
Total: 100 Marks
Credit: 4
Practical: No Practical Component
Required/Contact Classes: 60
Course in One View
Unit I: The United Nations
Unit II: The United Nations in Conflict Resolution
Unit III: Specialized Agencies of the UN: Role and Challenges
Unit IV: Major Global Conflicts Since the End of the Cold War
Source: Gauhati University, Political Science FYUGP 2026 syllabus.
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