Overview

This popular text for courses on international organizations and international relations provides a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the United Nations, exploring the historical, institutional, and theoretical foundations of the UN as well as the political processes and issues facing the organization today. Thoroughly revised throughout, the fourth edition focuses on major events since 2006, including the influence of emerging powers such as China, India, and Brazil, the crisis in UN peacekeeping, and the continuing decline of the UN's relevance in international economic relations. This edition also includes a new chapter on the future of the United Nations, as well as new case studies on peacekeeping in the Democratic Republic of Congo, human trafficking, and the challenges of state building for human security in Haiti. Helpful student resources include the Charter of the United Nations, a list of acronyms, suggested resources for additional research and reading, and a glossary.

Full Product Details

Author:   Karen A. Mingst ,  Margaret P. Karns ,  Alynna J. Lyon
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Inc
Imprint:   Westview Press Inc
Edition:   4th New edition
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 1.80cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.428kg
ISBN:  

9780813345383

ISBN 10:   0813345383
Pages:   360
Publication Date:   27 December 2011
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Out of Print
Availability:   Awaiting stock  

Table of Contents

1 The United Nations in World Politics The United Nations in World Politics: Vision and Reality Contending International Relations Theories Dilemmas the UN Faces in the 21st Century Conclusion 2 The Evolution of the United Nations System The League of Nations The Origins of the United Nations The Organization of the United Nations Persistent Organizational Problems and the Challenges of Reform Conclusion 3 Actors in the United Nations System The Role of States Coalitions, Blocs, and the Importance of Consensus The Secretary-General and the UN Secretariat as Key Actors Nonstate Actors: The Third UN Conclusion 4 Maintaining International Peace and Security Linking International Relations Theories Maintaining Peace and Security: The UN Charter and Its Evolution Mechanisms for Peaceful Settlement and Preventive Diplomacy Collective Security, Enforcement, and Sanctions Peacekeeping Humanitarian Intervention--R2P--Providing Human Security Arms Control and Disarmament Coping with Terrorism Future Challenges for the UN's Role in Peace and Security Conclusion 5 Economic Development and Sustainability The Organization of the UN System for Promoting Economic Development The UN and Evolving Ideas About Development The UN and Other Actors Lessons Learned The Persistent Dilemmas 6 Human Rights From the League of Nations to the United Nations UN Charter Principles and Organizational Structures The Role of the UN in Human Rights The Role of Nongovernmental Organizations Case Studies of the UN System in Action Evaluating the UN's Human Rights Record 7 Human Security: The Environment and Health An Expanded View of Security Protection of the Environment Health and Human Security Statebuilding for Human Security: The Case of Haiti Dilemmas in Human Security 8 Is There a Future for the United Nations? Does the UN Make a Difference? Lessons About What the UN Cannot Do Factors in UN Success and Failure Can the UN Be Reformed? Linking the UN to Global Governance

Reviews

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 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

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

<p> 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. <br> --Alynna J. Lyon, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science, University of New Hampshire <br> 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

<p>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)

Author Information

Karen A. Mingst is Lockwood Chair Professor, Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce and Department of Political Science, University of Kentucky. Margaret P. Karns is Professor Emerita of Political Science, University of Dayton.

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