The United Nations In The Post-cold War Era - Softcover

Mingst, Karen A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0813322618 ISBN 13: 9780813322612

Publisher: Routledge, 1995

Synopsis

The United Nations faces unprecedented opportunities as well as heightened expectations in the wake of the Cold War. With as yet unmet challenges throughout the world, the limits to UN power and effectiveness are being realized. The authors explore the key dilemmas facing the UN in the context of the organizations historical evolution, including its experience with peacekeeping, peacemaking, and development sustainability. They also consider the role of various actors in the UN system and the need for institutional reforms. This new text places the UN at the center of the entirely new set of issues now emerging in world politics. }The United Nations faces unprecedented opportunities as well as heightened expectations in the wake of the Cold War. With as yet unmet challenges throughout the world, the limits to UN power and effectiveness are being realized.From regional conflicts to areas of environmental degradation, the UNs success will depend on the way in which three dilemmas are resolvedthe tensions between sovereignty and the reality of its erosion, between demands for global governance and the weakness of UN institutions (as well as the reluctance of states to commit), and between the need for leadership and the diffusion of power. The authors explore these dilemmas in the context of the UNs historical evolution, including its experience with peacekeeping, peacemaking, and environmentally sustainabledevelopment. They also consider the role of various actors in the UN system, from major powers (especially the United States), small and middle powers, coalitions, and nongovernmental organizations, to the six secretaries-general. The need for institutional reforms and specific proposals for reform are examined.Because multilateral diplomacy is now the norm rather than the exception in world politics, the UN is more central than ever. This new text places the UN at the center of the entirely new set of dilemmas now emerging in world politics. }

About this title

Review:

Praise for the previous edition: "Mingst and Karns present an elegant combination of historical, institutional and theoretical foundations to explore both the political processes and enduring issues facing the United Nations today. The book provides succinct yet inclusive coverage of the UN as an actor and arena in issues of global governance. The authors artfully weave three themes of governance, sovereignty and leadership to explore current issues like terrorism, the Millennium Development Goals, evolving conceptions of human security and internal reform. Overall, the book serves as a core text while presenting the most updated and thoughtful coverage of the United Nations' struggle to balance the demands of states with the needs of people."
--Alynna J. Lyon, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science, University of New Hampshire
"To find such breadth and depth of material on the United Nations and its activities in a book of this size is remarkable. The effectiv

Praise for the fourth edition of Karen A. Mingst and Margaret P. Karns' "The United Nations in the 21st Century" "The newest edition of "The""United Nations in the 21st Century" provides a thorough and accessible overview of the world's preeminent international organization. It is updated to include the most recent global challenges, from terrorism to piracy to global warming, and to reflect the importance of new players on the international scene. Mingst and Karns provide historical background and a detailed description of the UN system's many institutions and actors. I have used earlier editions for my undergraduate courses and am eager to adopt this new-and-improved version." - Alexander Thompson, Ohio State University "This is a welcome update of a valuable text for courses on the United Nations, international organization, or IR. Clear organization and accessible writing make it exceptionally user-friendly for undergraduate teaching. Highlights ways the UN has adapted (or not) to new challenges of the 21st century." -Richard Stahler-Sholk, Eastern Michigan University "This text presents a comprehensive study of the prospects and challenges for the United Nations in the twenty-first century. It is essential reading for anyone interested in international organization and global politics. The accessible and engaging writing makes it ideal for classroom use." -Meena Bose, Hofstra University Praise for the previous edition: "Mingst and Karns present an elegant combination of historical, institutional and theoretical foundations to explore both the political processes and enduring issues facing the United Nations today. The book provides succinct yet inclusive coverage of the UN as an actor and arena in issues of global governance. The authors artfully weave three themes of governance, sovereignty and leadership to explore current issues like terrorism, the Millennium Development Goals, evolving conceptions of human security and internal reform. Overall, the book

"This text presents a comprehensive study of the prospects and challenges for the United Nations in the twenty-first century. It is essential reading for anyone interested in international organization and global politics. The accessible and engaging writing makes it ideal for classroom use."
--Meena Bose, Hofstra University
"This is a welcome update of a valuable text for courses on the United Nations, international organization, or IR. Clear organization and accessible writing make it exceptionally user-friendly for undergraduate teaching. Highlights ways the UN has adapted (or not) to new challenges of the 21st century."
--Richard Stahler-Sholk, Eastern Michigan University
"The newest edition of "The United Nations in the 21st Century" provides a thorough and accessible overview of the world's preeminent international organization. It is updated to include the most recent global challenges, from terrorism to piracy to global warming, and to reflect the importance of new players on the international scene. Mingst and Karns provide historical background and a detailed description of the UN system's many institutions and actors. I have used earlier editions for my undergraduate courses and am eager to adopt this new-and-improved version."
--Alexander Thompson, Ohio State University
Praise for the previous edition:
"Mingst and Karns present an elegant combination of historical, institutional and theoretical foundations to explore both the political processes and enduring issues facing the United Nations today. The book provides succinct yet inclusive coverage of the UN as an actor and arena in issues of global governance. The authors artfully weave three themes of governance, sovereignty and leadership to explore current issues like terrorism, the Millennium Development Goals, evolving conceptions of human security and internal reform. Overall, the book serves as a core text while presenting the most updated and thoughtful covera

This text presents a comprehensive study of the prospects and challenges for the United Nations in the twenty-first century. It is essential reading for anyone interested in international organization and global politics. The accessible and engaging writing makes it ideal for classroom use.
Meena Bose, Hofstra University
This is a welcome update of a valuable text for courses on the United Nations, international organization, or IR. Clear organization and accessible writing make it exceptionally user-friendly for undergraduate teaching. Highlights ways the UN has adapted (or not) to new challenges of the 21st century.
Richard Stahler-Sholk, Eastern Michigan University
The newest edition of "The United Nations in the 21st Century" provides a thorough and accessible overview of the world s preeminent international organization. It is updated to include the most recent global challenges, from terrorism to piracy to global warming, and to reflect the importance of new players on the international scene. Mingst and Karns provide historical background and a detailed description of the UN system s many institutions and actors. I have used earlier editions for my undergraduate courses and am eager to adopt this new-and-improved version.
Alexander Thompson, Ohio State University
Praise for the previous edition:
Mingst and Karns present an elegant combination of historical, institutional and theoretical foundations to explore both the political processes and enduring issues facing the United Nations today. The book provides succinct yet inclusive coverage of the UN as an actor and arena in issues of global governance. The authors artfully weave three themes of governance, sovereignty and leadership to explore current issues like terrorism, the Millennium Development Goals, evolving conceptions of human security and internal reform. Overall, the book serves as a core text while presenting the most updated and thoughtful coverage of the United Nations struggle to balance the demands of states with the needs of people.
Alynna J. Lyon, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science, University of New Hampshire
To find such breadth and depth of material on the United Nations and its activities in a book of this size is remarkable. The effective mix of theory, practice, actors, and issues is complemented by an engaging and easy-to-read narrative. The approach and content of this new edition ensure that the book remains valuable reading for all students of the United Nations and international organizations.
Courtney B. Smith, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Associate Professor at the John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Seton Hall University"

About the Author:

Karen A. Mingst is chair and professor of political science at the University of Kentucky. Margaret P. Karns is professor of political science at the University of Dayton. Karen A. Mingst is chair and professor of political science at the University of Kentucky. Margaret P. Karns is professor of political science at the University of Dayton.

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0813322618
• ISBN 13: 9780813322612
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224