The United Nations at the End of the 1990s - Hardcover

At the approach of the twenty-first century, the United Nations remains the main hope for world peace. As the UN continues to demonstrate the potential for new vitality, this new edition of the most concise introduction to the United Nations provides the essential information and background to half-a-century of the world organization's experience. It sets out the fundamental features of the structure of the UN and traces the political developments around such topics as maintaining international peace, protecting human rights, and improving economic welfare. Its authors are longtime observers and recognized scholars. Their transatlantic collaboration provides an extra edge of objectivity. The book provides essential information and analysis for students and lecturers in international politics, international relations, strategic and security studies and peace studies. It will be of use to policy-makers and practitioners in international politics in international organizations, foreign ministries and diplomatic embassies.

PETER R. BAEHR is Professor of Human Rights at Utrecht University in The Netherlands. He serves as Director of the Netherlands Institute of Human Rights (SIM) and the National School of Human Rights Research. He has been Professor of International Relations at the University of Amsterdam, where he studied. His publications include The Role of Human Rights in Foreign Policy, De Verenigde Naties: Ideaal en Werkelijkheid, the Dutch version of this book, and De Rechten van de Mens: Universaliteit in de Praktijk.

LEON GORDENKER is Professor Emeritus of Politics at Princeton University and Research Associate of the Center of International Studies. A veteran student of international organization, he has also taught at several universities in Africa and Europe. Publications of which he is author or editor include NGOs, the UN and Global Governance, International Cooperation in Response to AIDS, The Challenging Role of the UN Secretary-General and Refugees in International Politics.