There hardly seems to be a global issue in the world today in which the United Nations (UN) is not expected to play a key role. And indeed, despite a persistent gulf between high expectations and the UN's capacities, the organization continues to be a unique and indispensable actor in areas such as peace maintenance, human rights protection, and development.Thoroughly revised and updated, the second edition of this highly acclaimed text provides a concise analysis of the UN, its structure and work, achievements and shortcomings, and its likely role and prospects in the twenty-first century. The new edition covers the latest institutional and structural developments – including the creation of the Peacebuilding Commission and the establishment of a permanent Human Rights Council – and reflects recent debates on UN reform.
Sven Bernhard Gareis is Deputy Dean at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Professor of Political Science at the University of Münster, Germany.
The United Nations SystemInstitution-Building, Regime Impact, and Globalization: The Role and Function of the UNThe Core of the United Nations: Collective SecurityThe Changing Practice of PeacekeepingThe United Nations and Human Rights: Normative Development, Codification, and DefinitionHuman Rights Protection: Institutional Framework and Code of PracticeEconomic, Developmental and Environmental Questions in the UN: Problem Areas and Institutional DesignReforms for the Twenty-first CenturyConclusions.
Review of previous edition: 'This is a finely written, informative and well-structured book with a precise narrative that gives a bold critique of the UN and the need for reform.' - Norman Sempijja, In-Spire Journal of Law, Politics and Societies
