Naomi Tran

Unpacking the UN in Ukraine–Is it as Useless as People Say?

As the war in Ukraine surpasses 500 days, policymakers continue to debate the best course of action—sanctions remaining their preferred weapon of choice. In spite of this, recent reports have shown that they aren’t working. European businesses and third-world countries actively circumvent these measures, providing Russia with goods and services for its war effort. This duality from the international community–where one front remains firm in condemnation, whilst another battles the harsh reality that such policies are being undermined–is a glaring mirror to the inner workings of the United Nations. Although the UN is a fundamentally vital institution that has worked to promote peace and security, the recent war in Ukraine has shown how limiting the organization can be and the systemic flaws that bar it from making more meaningful change.