The No-Nonsense Guide To The United Nations

The No-Nonsense Guide to the United Nations conveys the complexity
of the UN, assesses its record, and considers options for reform.
In the first book to distil the entire history of the United
Nations into one accessible volume, Maggie Black explains how this
complex organization works and explores its successes, failings and
current limitations. It includes the UN creation and early history;
how it is structured and whether it is well constituted in its
functions; relief, development and law. She also considers
possibilities for reform to make it more democratic, effective and
fit for purpose. Throughout the book, there is a particular focus
on the core questions: how much can it do if its members are
unwilling to provide the necessary resources, mechanisms, and
mandate? It spends considerable resources on conducting global
studies, conferences and reports but what actually does this
international outpouring of words achieve? Is the UN just a vast
talking shop?