Angel and Tiggs

Since the day I visited the UN building in New York City, I’ve been thinking about why that organization is located there and not in Barcelona. There are obvious reasons, especially the historical context. The UN was founded in 1947 under the influence of the newly-winners Western allies. Nothing more logical than physically installing the organization in American soil, given how strengthened the country was at the early post-WWII scenario. It was a great way to avoid Russian conflict of interest. Anyway, my idea is that in a G-20, “multipolarized” world the UN building should be moved to Barcelona, Spain. My arguments are below:

• It’s more coherent with the dominating Eurocentrist vision of the world. That vision comes from the Middle Ages, but up to these days our maps still have the “Old World” (Europe) in the middle;
• Spain is a sort of middle point between major continents in the world like the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. This should reduce the influence by north-western countries like UK and the US or at least increase pressure and influence by other countries;
• Spain is a relatively neutral/moderated western country. It doesn’t tend heavily in favor or against the biggest/richest countries in the world. True, they supported Bush in Iraq, but have already withdrawn. Jose Luis Zapatero, head of the Spanish government, has a strong relationship with Latin America (Venezuela has been symbolically voted out of Latin America) and deep understanding of African issues. Besides, they were neutral (sic) in WWII and WWI;
• UN in Europe would favour a narrower collaboration with so many other worldwide agencies/organizations such as other branches of the UN (e.g. Unicef FAO), NATO, European Union. The proximity with major hosting countries for these organizations (in particular Belgium and Switzerland) can be of great value;
• Why did I suggest Barcelona and not any other city in Spain? Well, the Basque country region is still very instable to host the UN. Madrid sill holds a very conservative city. Also, it is the capital and official residence to the Spanish government, what could generate some sort of conflict of interest. It’s just like picturing the UN as a White House neighbour. It could be extremely biased. Besides, Barcelona has always had the reputation of being a slightly left-wing bastion, far more liberal than Madrid and very inclined to arts and tourism in general.