Routledge United Nations in the Contemporary World (The Making of the Contemporary World)

Fifty years after the creation of the United Nations, there exists a vigorous debate as to its limitations and possibilities. In United Nations in the Contemporary World, David J. Whittaker examines how the UN works and assesses its position as a world organisation. The author explores the nature of the UN as a regime in contemporary international relations. He considers the changing terms of reference of the UN and includes discussion of: * UN organisational procedures and principles; * recent historical case studies, including studies on peacekeeping * the role of the UN in global urbanisation, arms control and in supplying aid for refugees * past and future internal reform, goals, achievements With an annotated bibliography and a helpful glossary United Nations in the Contemporary World provides an interdisciplinary history of the UN and debates the key issues for its future. David J Whittaker gives a cogent analysis of how the UN addresses today's world problems and how it can adapt for the future. Review 'This book is a fine example of the textbook genre - it is clear, accessible, and informative. Moreover it contains enough of the author's own insights and comments to encourage further reading. The section on Peacekeeping is especially timely and relevant. United Nations in the Contemporary World will, I am sure, be a worthy addition to many student reading list.' - Contemporary British History