Dealing with America

The United Nations is under scrutiny like never before: it is under constant attack from neoconservatives in President George W. Bush's administration, and many of its own officials are under investigation for fraud - some have been charged. In the midst of this controversy, a high-level panel, including former Australian Attorney-General Gareth Evans, has released a detailed set of proposals for reform, and that blueprint has been taken up by the Secretary-General, Kofi Annan. Can the UN operate successfully in the post-Cold War environment in which one power, the USA, seems to wield almost absolute power? In this timely book John Langmore, a former senior UN staff member and Australian MP, looks at how the UN is weathering the intense attacks of the past three years. He assesses the organisation's strengths and weaknesses, arguing that the UN is more necessary than ever in a world in which power has become one-sided, while conflict has become fragmented and unpredictable. And he spells out how Australia can contribute to a more stable and secure international system.