Mixed Messages


Book Description

At the turn of the century, the United States is on the verge of losing its vote in the General Assembly for non-payment of its arrears. There are eerie parallels between the domestic debate over the United Nations in 1999 and the struggles over the League of Nations in 1919. Why, many ask, are Americans the first to create international organizations and the first to abandon them? What is it about the American political culture that breeds both the most ardent supporters and the most vocal detractors of international organization? And why can't they find any common ground? In seeking to uncover the roots of American ambivalence toward international organization, this political history presents the first major analysis of U.S. attitudes toward both the United Nations and the League of Nations. It traces eight themes that have resurfaced again and again in congressional and public debates over the course of this century: exceptionalism, sovereignty, nativism and racism, unilateralism, security, commitments, reform, and burden-sharing. It assesses recent domestic political trends and calls for the development of two interactive political compacts--one domestic and one international--to place U.S.-UN relations on a new footing. A Century Foundation Book




Reform of the United Nations


Book Description

The United Nations Was Set Up At The End Of The Second World War, In 1945, To Replace The Ill-Fated League Of Nations. The United States, The United Kingdom, Russia (Former Ussr), France And China Are Permanent Members Of The Security Council, The Most Powerful Organ Of The United Nations. At That Time, The United States Was The Most Powerful Country Economically, Technologically And Militarily. It Has Been Playing A Dominant Role In All Decisions Taken By The United Nations And Its Affiliated Agencies. It Has Been Dominating Other Countries And Flouting The Rules And Provisions Of The United Nations. To Give A Concrete Example, The Grant Of Loans By The World Bank, Imf And Ifc Is Substantially Influenced By The United States, Instead Of Being Guided By Commercial And Financial Prudence. During The Last Six Decades, The Position Of The World Has Substantially Changed In Regard To The Economic, Military And Technological Power. This Has Necessitated The Redrawing Of The United Nations And Its Various Agencies. Unfortunately, This Is Being Strongly Resisted By The United States And Other Permanent Members Of The Security Council. The Volumes Include Viewpoints Of The Secretary-General As Well As All The Important Countries In Regard To The Reforms Of The United Nations. They Also Include A Large Number Of Documents Concerning These Reforms. A Detailed Bibliography Has Been Included To Enable The Inquisitive Readers To Pursue The Subject Further. The Volumes Would Be Found Highly Useful By The Students, Researchers And Teachers Of Political Science And Economics. They Would Also Be Useful For Executives And Parliamentarians Of All The Countries Concerned With The Working Of The United Nations And Its Agencies.







The Department of State Bulletin


Book Description

The official monthly record of United States foreign policy.