For more information on international themes, here are some good sites. Who's who, the writers, our policies, and copyright information. The major articles from past issues. Sign Our Guestbook. Most analysts agree that it was difficult to accurately assess the mental and physical health of former dictator Augusto Pinochet at the airport reception celebrating his return to Chile on March 3rd.
Powerful countries are interested in economic gain and stability.
Smaller countries are concerned with protecting lucrative resources and preserving borders and self-sovereignty. In a world where, for example, the United States has a trade deficit in excess of 68.7 billion dollars with its sparring partner, China, war would not only drain the domestic economy, but disrupt the complex web of trade agreements. The preservation of economic interests was one of the reasons why the United States and the international community leapt to the defense of Kuwait after the Iraqi invasion in 1994. Self-interest aside, everyone is well aware of the devastation which can be wrought by modern weapons of mass destruction. The Security Council within the UN bears primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.