"There are currently 193 Member States of the United Nations."
Information is key in understanding the mistakes of the past that created the present. Therefore, context is always vital for making informed opinions.
01) UN Partition Plan 1947
"Resolution 181 was adopted by the UN General Assembly on November 29, 1947, with 33 countries voting in favour, 13 countries against, and with 10 countries abstaining."
02) Why did UN Membership increase?
"Between 1950 and 1960, 41 countries joined the UN. The majority were former colonies. During this period, the UN became a platform for those campaigning against colonial oppression, including apartheid. The global climate in the 1960s was one of excitement and hope brought by the independence of many countries from colonialism."
03) Non-Member Observer State
"In 2012, the General Assembly granted Palestine the status of: Non-Member Observer State. Which, for all purposes translates as: a state with no sovereignty. This is due to the influence of external nations that appoint and implement control mechanisms against the native population's consent."
04) Conclusion
The major increase that occurred regarding UN Membership during the 1950s - 1960s was a result of decolonisation. A process that has not yet been concluded. European colonies have shaped many countries. In terms of borders, language and cultural practices imported by colonisers. And, the control of wealth and resources remains a major barrier for nation’s to achieve sovereignty. Removing external influence remains a primary objective for many countries pursuing undeniable independence. Instead of focusing on the minority of nations that have shaped global politics for the last century, we should acknowledge how that power was created. The shift towards unity depends on holding colonial and imperial nations accountable. Moving forward reforms will be crucial for international organisations to function fairly without specific privileges designed to uphold two-class systems.
