[polotics]

The notion that it is the UN and other such organisations that led to the period of (relative) peace in the 20th century post-WW2 is very far fetched. I would bet instead on these five horsemen of the peace, in order:

- Mutually Assured Destruction risks

- No unmanageable effects of CO2-induced climate disruption

- Plenty of available oil to burn, with high EROEI

- Plentiful resources and enough growth all-round

- The UN and other such organisations

[DrScientist]

You've made an important distinction between the real competition for resources - that's needed to survive, like water, food, energy - and simple nationalistic 'top dog' type competition.

And in reality, there is enough energy, food and water to go around - the only thing that creates conflict over those is excessive fear or greed. I'm arguing you need these international organisms to create peer shame on the greed, and reduce the fear through regular contact and peaceful ways to reduce conflict.