| From a historical and interpretative perspective, this study seeks to understand the role of the US Congress in the changing relationships between the United States and the United Nations. From the inception of the organization in 1945, the United States was the main diplomatic and financial supporter of the development of the United Nations. But beginning in the 1970s until the end of the 20th century, members of Congress criticized the management of the organization, the anti-American resolutions of the UN General Assembly, withheld US assessed dues, and introduced a series of legislation setting punitive conditions for the repayment of arrears owed to the organization. This study finds that Congressional skepticism of the relevance of International Organizations for US Foreign Policy took root during debates in the Senate that culminated in the non-ratification of the League of Nations. It also finds that the conservative forces in Congress led the efforts to rein in the United Nations. Their efforts culminated in Helms-Biden Agreement, a UN reform package of conditions for the UN to fulfill before Congress would authorize and appropriate funding for the organization. This study raises questions about the legitimacy of Congressional actions and their impact on International Law and on the future of the United Nations. |
