Secretary or General?: The UN Secretary-General in World Politics - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 052187615X ISBN 13: 9780521876155

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2007

Synopsis

The Secretary-General of the United Nations is a unique figure in world politics. At once civil servant, the world's diplomat, lackey of the UN Security Council, and commander-in-chief of up to a hundred thousand peacekeepers, he or she depends on states for both the legitimacy and resources that enable the United Nations to function. The tension between these roles - of being secretary or general - has challenged every incumbent. This book brings together the insights of senior UN staff, diplomats and scholars to examine the normative and political factors that shape this unique office with particular emphasis on how it has evolved in response to changing circumstances such as globalization and the onset of the 'war on terror'. The difficulties experienced by each Secretary-General reflect the profound ambivalence of states towards entrusting their security, interests or resources to an intergovernmental body.

About this title

Product Description

This title forms part of the completely new Mathematics for the IB Diploma series. This highly illustrated coursebook, available in both print and e-book formats, has been written to specifically cover the new IB Standard Level syllabus. Based on the new group 5 aims, the progressive approach encourages cumulative learning., Features include: a dedicated chapter exclusively for combined exercises; plenty of worked examples; questions colour-coded according to grade; exam-style questions; feature boxes of hints and tips. The print book includes a CD-ROM providing a complete e-version of the book, extension worksheets, prior learning sheets, calculator skills sheets and fill-in proofs. These additional materials are also included in the e-book version.

Review

'This is a timely book on an exceedingly important subject at the current juncture in world affairs: the role of the UN Secretary-General, the personification of 'the international community'. It offers significant insights from scholars and practitioners alike, and will be required reading for Kofi Annan's successor.' John G. Ruggie, Kirkpatrick Professor of International Affairs, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

'The authority and responsibilities of the Secretary-General need to be better understood - the basis of any fair standard of accountability. This book shows that the issue is both complex and sensitive. It should be a useful reference tool for anyone interested in the future of the United Nations.' Louise Fréchette, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations 1998–2006

'A wide-ranging and insightful portrait of the most impossible job on the planet. The office of Secretary-General - designed by the UN's founders to be half-'secretary', half-'general' - receives here the careful assessment by both insiders and outsiders for which the importance of the position has long called.' Michael Doyle, Harold Brown Professor at Columbia University and co-author of Making War and Building Peace

'Books about the United Nations are all too often written in a prose as dense as the UN management structure. This book is a refreshing change! Of particular value are the chapters on the ways in which the Secretary-General himself (or herself) can help crystallize norms and mobilize coalitions - not against member state interests but alongside them. In this role the Secretary-General serves as both secretary and general, secretary to the global public and general of a process to make the voices of that public more clearly heard.' Anne-Marie Slaughter, Dean of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University

'The position of Secretary-General is a job like no other. The person requires the skills of a general, yet the humility to serve as a secretary. Whether dealing with disasters that are natural or man-made, the Secretary-General is expected to conduct the world orchestra of nations. As a long-time participant and observer at the United Nations, I can say that this book is most timely, and much needed.' José Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 052187615X
• ISBN 13: 9780521876155
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 296
• Editor: Chesterman Simon