The United Nations and the Maintenance of International Security: A Challenge to Be Met

James Sutterlin served for many years as a senior director with the UN headquarters in New York. He has worked alongside several UN Secretary-Generals. So I feel he is well qualified to know what he is talking about. Mr. Sutterlin writes directly and with an authorative style on the UN's role in maintaining the balance of peace, in an often troubled world. He opens this book by acknowledging that with the end of the Cold War, the world has entered a new era in International relations and thus; security and peace issues that need to be confronted are now more complex than ever before. His book looks at prevention of conflict, the use of military forces to enforce peace; stopping aggressive actions of states, building of peace and the emergence of terrorism and issues of weapons of mass destruction. The book also discusses the emergence of regional organisations such as: ASEAN, OAS, OAU (AU), the EU and NATO.Mr. Sutterlin concludes his excellent book by examining the post of the UN Secretary-General; with an informative insight into what has been described as the world's most difficult job. In summary a first class book, which examines the various operations and involvement of the UN with international security. The author questions does the UN need to reassess itself in an ever-changing world? The world of today is, or course, completely different to the world of 63 years ago, when the UN first commenced its work. This book is an excellent reference for the student of the United Nations and its work with international security. Full of references and a good bibliography. The book was written in 2003 and a new, third edition would be welcome. Well done, James Sutterlin!

This book is organized, well-written, and brilliant.