The New United Nations

Book excerpt: With a fresh look at challenges to the UN in Syria, Iran, Russia, and elsewhere, the second edition of this successful text highlights new international trends toward global governance, holistic democracy and human development, and progress on peacebuilding and counterterrorism. A comprehensive guide to the world body's institutions, procedures, policies, specialized agencies, historic personalities, initiatives, and involvement in world affairs, The New United Nations is organized thematically, blending both topical and chronological explanations making reference to current scholarly terms and theories. New to this edition: Fully updated chapters and a new Introduction, including discussion of the Paris Climate Change Agreement, Human Rights Council, and Peacebuilding Commission; New sections on Special Rapporteurs and Special Procedures, the theory and practice of neoliberalism, the UN’s endorsement of the "Responsibility to Protect," and Contact Groups; Unique special section on the student Model United Nations experience; Coverage of the UN’s fifteen-year assessment of the Millennium Development Goals and the consequent approval of the Sustainable Development Goals; and eResources with supportive materials and documents.