Why Peace Systems Fail: The League of Nations Case Study

Factors Causing Peace System Failure or Success

The League of Nations (LON) was a system created to maintain peace. Promoted during World War I by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, the League was established in 1920 with the idea of preventing another catastrophic conflict through discussion, negotiation, and diplomacy.

Core Aims of the League of Nations

At its peak, the LON had 60 members. Its primary aims included:

• Collective Security: Protecting every member nation from external attacks.
• Peaceful Dispute Resolution: Helping countries settle disputes peacefully through negotiation.
• Disarmament: Encouraging member countries to reduce their armaments.
• International Cooperation: Promoting global collaboration on shared issues.

Humanitarian Successes

These aims led to significant humanitarian work focused on improving global health and living standards. The LON established special commissions to combat slavery, distribute medicines, and assist refugees. Furthermore, the LON supported the International Labour Organization (ILO), which worked to improve conditions for workers worldwide.

Transition to Failure

Although the LON achieved success in improving working conditions, health, sanitation, and providing economic assistance, it faced many limitations that severely reduced its effectiveness. We will now examine the primary reasons for the League of Nations' failure.

Structural Weaknesses and Decision Paralysis

Due to the large number of members, the decision-making process was often slow, delaying necessary action. Crucially, while the League encouraged disarmament among members, it lacked its own standing army to enforce its resolutions or defend attacked nations.

The Impact of the Great Depression (1929)

The global economic crisis, known as the Great Depression, which began in 1929, significantly contributed to the LON’s decline. It caused widespread unemployment and falling living standards globally. As countries struggled financially, they were less willing to cooperate or adhere to international agreements. Since the LON relied heavily on economic sanctions to enforce compliance, the Depression limited the impact of these sanctions, as nations prioritized their own economic survival.

Challenges from Aggressor States

The weakness of the LON was starkly exposed in the 1930s when aggressor states—notably Japan, Italy (under Mussolini), and Germany—began challenging international peace, refusing to uphold treaties or adhere to the League's rules. Key failures included:

• The League failed to stop Japan from invading Manchuria (China) in 1931.
• The League failed to prevent Italy's attack on Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) in 1935.

Conclusion: The Failure of the LON

In conclusion, the League of Nations ultimately failed to uphold its idealistic vision of peace, leading directly to the outbreak of World War II—the most horrific conflict in human history.