The Un General Assembly

The United Nations General Assembly is arguably the most important discussionforum in global politics. This is a concise and accessible introduction to itshisto... » 

The United Nations General Assembly is arguably the most important discussionforum in global politics. This is a concise and accessible introduction to itshistory organization and politics. Examining the development of the Assemblyas a forum for improving international cooperation this study details itsdevelopment of shared norms and goals in the political context of the immediatepostWorld War II era. The Assembly has had to adapt quickly to the Cold Warthe SouthNorth contentions over development the dissolution of the Sovietbloc and the rise in concern about terrorism. This study also presents afascinating look ahead to three potential futures a world of states a worldgovernment and a world of network governance. To flourish in any of thesecontexts it shows how the practices of the institution will requireconsiderable change. The common criticisms of the Assembly are also covered indepth such as that it is just a talking shop that it is hamstrung by theSecurity Council and that it benefits the rich at the expense of the poor. Thisis an ideal book for students of the United Nations internationalorganizations and global governance. «