The Five Decades of the United Nations: Accomplishments and Limitations

Abstract

The turbulent 20th century is approaching its end. Its last decade is the third major watershed of international relations since 1900. Although the present era is defined as the post-Cold War period, it is understood that there is not yet a ‘new order’ in place with widely shared values and clearly identifiable regulating forces in all important areas of the global system. Instead, this era represents more of a transition period, or a strange interregnum period of turbulence where, the few positive forces notwithstanding, a great diversity of morbid symptoms are appearing.¹ The ultimate test of this era will be in coming decades, in the positive results and benefits it delivers to the world. The proper global management of the transition is a collective task for all nations. The international institutions and „co-operation regimes“ which are countries’ most important collective instruments are the results of the post-Second World War era.

„ The structure of world peace cannot be a peace of large nations or of small nations. It must be a peace which rests on the co-operative effort of the whole world.“

(Franklin D. Roosevelt)

„ We cannot claim that our work is perfect or that we have created an unbreakable guaranty of peace. But we have, I am convinced, forged an instrument by which, if men are serious in wanting peace and are ready to make sacrifices for it, they may find means to win it.“

Lord Halifax in San Francisco)

„A war postponed may be a war averted.“

(Winston Churchill)

„It is a matter of will and wallet.“

(George Bush)