Synopses & Reviews
The United Nations is among the most important international organizations. But is it only a talking shop? Or does it have a role, as forum, vehicle, or actor, in addressing the most important security issues facing the world today? Here top international scholars examine the role of the UN in preventing international and civil violence, arms control, deterring and reversing aggression, and addressing humanitarian crises. The chapters are concise while providing depth of understanding of the issues, positions, and problems facing the United Nations and its member states in grappling with increased opportunities and threats.
Review
"This highly timely, first-rate volume provides a comprehensive, clear-eyed, and sober assessment of the past, present, and future roles of the United Nations in global security. The systematic analysis of what the UN has and has not been able to accomplish--and why--generates, for all students of the UN, a more realistic understanding of what we might reasonably expect of it in the future."--Michael Barnett, University of Wisconsin, Madison
"This collection of essays does justice to the complexities of the United Nations and the problématique of global security. The contributors are committed multilateralists who do not shy away from portraying the harsh realities of the world organization, warts and all. They remind us that while the UN clearly has not eliminated the scourge of war, it certainly has helped dampen violence, control arms, deliver aid to war victims, and prevent conflicts."--Thomas G. Weiss, Presidential Professor and Director, Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies, The CUNY Graduate Center
"This very high-quality book offers much more than the sum of its parts. It challenges us to think clearly and critically about the various roles of the United Nations in reducing conflict and violence. It should be read by all concerned with the future of the United Nations."--David Malone, President, International Peace Academy
Synopsis
Many have proclaimed the fundamentals of global security were altered by the September 11 terrorist attacks. Do these changes undercut or enhance the role of the United Nations? What do events like the role of the UN in the crisis over Iraq tell us? Here top scholars examine the role of the UN in preventing international and civil violence, arms control, deterring and reversing aggression, and addressing humanitarian crises. The chapters are concise while providing depth of understanding of the issues, positions and problems facing the United Nations and its member states in grappling with increased opportunities and threats. Their lively presentations of the drama of UN debates establish the contributions and shortcomings of global multilateralism in an era of U.S. hegemony and unilateralism.
Synopsis
Basic issues in the UN's role in international affairs examined by leading scholars
Synopsis
1-4039-6391-6
About the Author
Richard M. Price is Associate Professor of Political Science, University of British Columbia.
Mark W. Zacher is Professor of Political Science and Research Director, Center of International Relations, University of British Columbia.
Table of Contents
Preface--Mark Zacher *
Part 1: Arms Control * The UN and Debates Over Weapons of Mass Destruction--Nina Tannenwald * Facing the Challenge of Small Arms: The UN and Global Security--Keith Krause * Improving the Effectiveness of UN Arms Embargoes--W. Andy Knight *
Part 2: Conflict Prevention and Resolution * When Aspiration Exceeds Capability: The UN and Conflict Prevention--Andrew Mack and Kathryn Furlong * Can the UN Still Mediate?--Fen Hampson *
Part 3: Reversing, Deterring and Punishing Aggressions * Another Reluctant Belligerent: The United Nations and the War on Terrorism--Edward C. Luck * UN Sanctions: A Glass Half-Full?--Andrew Mack and Asif Khan * International Tribunals and the Criminalization of International Violence--Joanne Lee and Richard Price *
Part IV: The UN and Intervention * From Peacekeeping to Peace-building: The United Nations and the Challenge of Intrastate War--Allen Sens * Refugee Protection and State Security: Towards a Greater Convergence--Gil Loescher * Authorizing Humanitarian Intervention--Jennifer W. Welsh * Developing Countries and the Intervention-Sovereignty Debate--Ramesh Thakur *
Part V: Institutional Reform * Conundrums of International Power-Sharing: The Politics of Security Council Reform--Mark W. Zacher * The UN, Regional Organizations, and Regional Conflict: Is There a Viable Role for the UN?--Brian L. Job * Human Security: An Opening for UN Reform--Lloyd Axworthy *
Part VI: Conclusions * The League of Nations Redux?--Richard Price