Miss universe is a political tool manipulated by the United nation to cycle through major political powers (china, US, EU, mid-east) for winners every year.

it is like a Public relation tool.

ex: when a country is troublesome and develop nuclear weapons, we elect their girl the winner. To smooth out future relation with the country

or

when a country is piss poor and dying from AIDS (africa), we elect their girl the winner. To show that we care and that they are still beautiful.

or

when a country is not very well known for their beautiful girls, but more well known for their economical/political contribution to the the world/UN, we elect their girl the winner. To make sure they continue to contribute to the world/UN with their money and support.