Synopses & Reviews
This popular text for courses on international organizations and international relations provides a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the United Nations, exploring the historical, institutional, and theoretical foundations of the UN as well as the political processes and issues facing the organization today. Thoroughly revised throughout, the fourth edition focuses on major events since 2006, including the influence of emerging powers such as China, India, and Brazil, the crisis in UN peacekeeping, and the continuing decline of the UNs relevance in international economic relations. This edition also includes a new chapter on the future of the United Nations, as well as new case studies on peacekeeping in the Democratic Republic of Congo, human trafficking, and the challenges of state building for human security in Haiti.
Helpful student resources include the Charter of the United Nations, a list of acronyms, suggested resources for additional research and reading, and a glossary.
Review
This text presents a comprehensive study of the prospects and challenges for the United Nations in the twenty-first century. It is essential reading for anyone interested in international organization and global politics. The accessible and engaging writing makes it ideal for classroom use.”
—Meena Bose, Hofstra University
This is a welcome update of a valuable text for courses on the United Nations, international organization, or IR. Clear organization and accessible writing make it exceptionally user-friendly for undergraduate teaching. Highlights ways the UN has adapted (or not) to new challenges of the 21st century.”
—Richard Stahler-Sholk, Eastern Michigan University
The newest edition of The United Nations in the 21st Century provides a thorough and accessible overview of the worlds preeminent international organization. It is updated to include the most recent global challenges, from terrorism to piracy to global warming, and to reflect the importance of new players on the international scene. Mingst and Karns provide historical background and a detailed description of the UN systems many institutions and actors. I have used earlier editions for my undergraduate courses and am eager to adopt this new-and-improved version.”
—Alexander Thompson, Ohio State University
Praise for the previous edition:
Mingst and Karns present an elegant combination of historical, institutional and theoretical foundations to explore both the political processes and enduring issues facing the United Nations today. The book provides succinct yet inclusive coverage of the UN as an actor and arena in issues of global governance. The authors artfully weave three themes of governance, sovereignty and leadership to explore current issues like terrorism, the Millennium Development Goals, evolving conceptions of human security and internal reform. Overall, the book serves as a core text while presenting the most updated and thoughtful coverage of the United Nations struggle to balance the demands of states with the needs of people.”
—Alynna J. Lyon, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science, University of New Hampshire
To find such breadth and depth of material on the United Nations and its activities in a book of this size is remarkable. The effective mix of theory, practice, actors, and issues is complemented by an engaging and easy-to-read narrative. The approach and content of this new edition ensure that the book remains valuable reading for all students of the United Nations and international organizations.”
—Courtney B. Smith, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Associate Professor at the John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Seton Hall University
Synopsis
This revised edition provides students with an accessible and comprehensive introduction to the United Nations: its history, its organization, its role in global governance, and how it confronts the complex issues facing the world today.
About the Author
Karen A. Mingst is Lockwood Chair Professor, Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce and Department of Political Science, University of Kentucky.
Margaret P. Karns is Professor Emerita of Political Science, University of Dayton.
Table of Contents
1 The United Nations in World Politics The United Nations in World Politics: Vision and Reality
Contending International Relations Theories
Dilemmas the UN Faces in the 21st Century
Conclusion
2 The Evolution of the United Nations System
The League of Nations
The Origins of the United Nations
The Organization of the United Nations
Persistent Organizational Problems and the Challenges of Reform
Conclusion
3 Actors in the United Nations System
The Role of States
Coalitions, Blocs, and the Importance of Consensus
The Secretary-General and the UN Secretariat as Key Actors
Nonstate Actors: The Third UN
Conclusion
4 Maintaining International Peace and Security
Linking International Relations Theories
Maintaining Peace and Security: The UN Charter and Its Evolution
Mechanisms for Peaceful Settlement and Preventive Diplomacy
Collective Security, Enforcement, and Sanctions
Peacekeeping
Humanitarian InterventionR2PProviding Human Security
Arms Control and Disarmament
Coping with Terrorism
Future Challenges for the UNs Role in Peace and Security
Conclusion
5 Economic Development and Sustainability
The Organization of the UN System for Promoting
Economic Development
The UN and Evolving Ideas About Development
The UN and Other Actors
Lessons Learned
The Persistent Dilemmas
6 Human Rights
From the League of Nations to the United Nations
UN Charter Principles and Organizational Structures
The Role of the UN in Human Rights
The Role of Nongovernmental Organizations
Case Studies of the UN System in Action
Evaluating the UNs Human Rights Record
7 Human Security: The Environment and Health
An Expanded View of Security
Protection of the Environment
Health and Human Security
Statebuilding for Human Security: The Case of Haiti
Dilemmas in Human Security
8 Is There a Future for the United Nations?
Does the UN Make a Difference?
Lessons About What the UN Cannot Do
Factors in UN Success and Failure
Can the UN Be Reformed?
Linking the UN to Global Governance