The United Nations

In the second edition of his Very Short Introduction to the United Nations, Jussi Hanhimäki argues that the UN remains a crucial organization, despite its challenges, continuing to save lives and improve global conditions as intended by its founders. This updated text reviews the UN's history, its successes and failures in promoting peace, human rights, and socio-economic development, and examines its various agencies, including UNESCO and UNICEF. Hanhimäki also critically analyzes the UN Security Council's role in recent global crises and the ongoing struggles between its ambitions and capabilities, making it an essential resource for understanding the complexities of the UN today.