The United Nations was formed in the aftermath of World War II, by countries including the United States, Untied Kingdom, Soviet Union, France, and other nations. The organizations primary goal was to promote world peace and maintain international order, to prevent another global conflict. Despite their initial efforts in the form of peacekeeping operations worldwide, the U.N was met with criticism and controversies.
Many of its peacekeeping operations became the subject of intense scrutiny by journalist, including acts of rape, genocide, and torture by peacekeepers. Despite this the organization was still seen as a symbol of humanity, the group that would create a common union amongst all peace loving nations on Earth.
It was only in 2038 A.D, two years after The Spreading and with the rise of anarchy across the world that the organization realized that it needed to act. And for that it needed to dominate. Which is why since the founding of Norio in 2040, the United Nations now reigns supreme as the world's ultimate governing body responsible for administering Norio, maintaining order within member states, and is the chief organization in regards to world politics. Its headquarters are in New York with offices also located in Switzerland, The Netherlands, and Austria.
Other intergovernmental organizations such as the European Union act as its lieutenant. Since its rise to power and the suppression of US resistance in the early 2040's, the U.N now controls much of the world's politics and military forces. In addition to its power the U.N also maintains an embassy on the planet Eos, with an elected ambassador representing humanity to the Astreans, a highly advanced and intelligent human-like alien race.
The U.N maintains a system of government modeled on republics such as France, the United States, and Austria. The executive office is headed by a President, who is democratically elected for a period of ten years and serves as head of state and government. The term length of each president is no more than three terms. He is seen as the ultimate ruler of the U.N and the most important person on Earth, surrounded by a cabinet consisting of other department heads.
Legislative power regarding laws and bills is vested in a UN unicameral parliament whose responsibility is also keeping the power of the president in check. The judiciary is located within Geneva, Switzerland and settles court cases as well as disputes between member states.
While the international effort against Xenos is highly successful, the United Nations also engages human enemies as well. Many of these range from insurgencies and fascist anti-UN governments in Africa and South America. As well as private military companies.
Anti-UN governments such as the nations in South America and Africa subsequently withdrew from the U.N and established their own political coalitions and alliances. These however are not recognized and are classified as rogue nations that have committed treason.
Insurgent groups are also rampant throughout the Solar system, with many groups having access to low grade space-based technology and vehicles. The groups are known to destroy or capture cargo from asteroids and planets inbound to Earth. The largest of these groups are the Black Knives, an anarchist alliance of insurgents with access to stolen or improvised space-based technology and weapons.
Japan was also elected as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, having become the strongest Asian military by 2050 and the abolition of Article 9 of their constitution.
Despite its democratic nature, the United Nations over time has slowly grown into a totalitarian-like organization due to its day to day surveillance of its member states. It has become known to antagonize whistleblowers, suppress freedom of speech that tarnishes the organization, and the elimination of secessionist groups big and small seeking independence from the UN.