NationStates Jolt Archive

This may be a naive question, but...
Having gone over the list of past suscessful UN proposals, and compared this to the extant policies of various member-states, I'm drawn to wonder whether the wording of the FAQ entry ('You can't just obey the resolutions you like and ignore the rest, like real nations do') actually has any genuine import. The issue of the last resolution's wording highlighted that a substantial proportion of UN members simply aren't aware of, or take no notice of, past resolutions, and that the UN is scarily unable to enforce them. But there are other examples - many member states appear to be extensively deforested and polluted despite explicit and strong environmental regulations in past resolutions.
As a new UN member and complete n00b, I can see little evidence that this is more than a ego-boosting device for delegates. Am I missing something critical, or should I withdraw membership?

[Out of Character]
You're missing something.

As a member, your national stats are directly affected every time a resolution passes. ONLY those resolutions that pass while you're an active member actually have any in-game effect, and it's quite possible for the UN to require something that explicity disagrees with an issue you have voted on in your nation (such as Euthanasia or deforestation).

Looking over past Resolutions, you'll see stuff that was passed before the requirement was made banning game mechanics proposals. You'll see amended proposals that are no longer permitted. All of that stuff is just fodder for role-play here in the forums. It doesn't have a game effect on your nation.

NationStates is several games in one. There is the internal stuff you do with your nation (Issues). There is the internal stuff that you impose from outside, like the UN. There is the stuff that has zero in-game effect, the Role-Play, that is my favorite part. Finally, there is the region-invading game that is semi-optional.

Play the parts that you want to, and ignore the others. It's your call.