International Bureaucracy

Q.
The world is getting more and more crowded now. There are 142 nations which are members of the United Nations and the international field would appear to be governed by the laws of the jungle. In what way would you suggest that international conventions fie evolved and established gradually in the eighties and at the end of the present century?

A.
I would not say that the world is getting crowded. You cannot help if there are so many countries. You cannot reduce the number artificially. I am glad that even smaller nations, newly-liberated nations, are joining the international organisation. One would have to see how these conferences, or the United Nations itself, become more effective, if we can. There is lack of political will on the part of developed countries to come out with solutions which will cost them in economic terms. The real success of the United Nations will therefore depend upon the political will for co-operation between developing countries and big powers.

Q.
Which international organisations have proved to be effective in their fields of work?

A.
It is difficult to name any organisation but certainly the United Nations has proved its usefulness and I think so have its branches like the UNESCO and the World Bank. They have proved their utility. They have also demonstrated their weaknesses which need to be gone through very carefully. Their limitations are in their style of functioning. There is a tendency among the rich and Powerful countries, particularly by the western countries and more precisely by the United States where the headquarters of many of the institutions are situated to dominate the international organisations. The personnel selected for the administration are mostly from these countries and they try to dominate especially at the middle rung of the organisations.

Q.
International bureaucracy has developed its own trade union ethics, in some cases even of self-aggrandizement. Their salary structures are said to be extremely high. It is often said that this does not necessarily reflect the standards of their competence. Could you give us your views on the administration of international organisations?

A.
I cannot give any opinion about the administration but the facilities perquisites and the salaries these personnel get are enormous compared to the national salaries, particularly in the developing countries. Therefore there is some sort of brain drain to these institutions. Once they go there, it becomes their vested interest to remain there.