Overview

The sixtieth anniversary of the United Nations again led to a lot of discussion about the organisation, and rightly so. At the same time the debate was not very balanced, emphasising the shortcomings of the organisation, but neglecting the fact that it is often active in situations which are beyond the control of all its member states (ie: in 'messy situations' where it can do hardly any good). In this book, the authors concentrate on the need to achieve security for all of mankind, and the role the UN could or should play in that respect. As the cliche remarks: 'If the UN did not exists, it would have to be invented.' This book argues that the UN is still very necessary, in a world full of conflict, poverty and the lack of human security. The authors go back to the original aims of the organisation as formulated in 1945, while also examining all the major strengths and weaknesses that have emerged in the sixty years since. Key points: Up to date and accessible information, in an easy to read style; The authors are renowned experts in international affairs, with both practical and theoretical knowledge of how the UN operates; Provides thorough knowledge on the UN system as a whole and stimulates own insights.

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9789068320732

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Reviews

There is no shortage of books criticizing the UN. This well-written, carefully documented book offers more than that. The contributors show their confidence in the future of the UN to act as a center for turning globalization into the famous four freedoms idealized by Franklin D. Roosevelt for everyone everywhere in the world. The book offers succinct discussions about Roosevelt's four freedoms speech and its connection to the original UN charter of 1945. the book's main focus is on the areas of human security, human development, and problems dealing with individuals rather than traditional concentration on states. The authors effectively argue that the UN has played and should play a central role in human development, human security, and human rights for all. They argue that the UN is an invaluable institution, necessary in a world full of conflicts and challenges to human development. The book is excellent and tightly focused; it contains extensive footnotes, 12 annexes, and a selected bibliography. It is on of the most thoughtful books this reviewer has read in a decade. Summing Up: Highly recommended.

There is no shortage of books criticizing the UN. This well-written, carefully documented book offers more than that. The contributors show their confidence in the future of the UN to act as a center for turning globalization into the famous four freedoms idealized by Franklin D. Roosevelt for everyone everywhere in the world. The book offers succinct discussions about Roosevelt's four freedoms speech and its connection to the original UN charter of 1945. the book's main focus is on the areas of human security, human development, and problems dealing with individuals rather than traditional concentration on states. The authors effectively argue that the UN has played and should play a central role in human development, human security, and human rights for all. They argue that the UN is an invaluable institution, necessary in a world full of conflicts and challenges to human development. The book is excellent and tightly focused; it contains extensive footnotes, 12 annexes, and a selected bibliography. It is on of the most thoughtful books this reviewer has read in a decade. Summing Up: Highly recommended. --B. Sandhu, West Chester University Choice [O]ne of the most thoughtful books this reviewer has read in a decade. Summing Up: Highly recommended. --B. Sandhu, West Chester University Choice

Author Information

Willem van Genugten is Professor of International Law at the University of Tilburg and Professor in Human Rights at the Radboud University of Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Kees Homan is a former Major-General in the Marines and is currently affiliated to the Clingendael Institute, The Hague. Nico Schrijver is Professor International Law at the University of Leiden. Paul de Waart is Professor emeritus at the Free University of Amsterdam.

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