The Not So United Nations

The UN has not accomplished much in recent years, but only because the major powers cannot agree, refusing to act on pressing global problems. Instead, powerful nations balk at coordinating action on genocide in Darfur, global warming or violence in the Middle East. “The UN reflects the ability of the major powers to agree – and to back up their agreements with resources,” writes Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations. Any influence of the UN secretary-general depends on his priorities and style. Haass recommends that incoming Secretary General Ban Ki-moon assess the role of the UN, determine the appropriate makeup of the powerful Security Council, condemn terror – while encouraging nations to cooperate in protecting world citizens rather than standing back and ignoring their suffering. – YaleGlobal