The United Nations at Work

The debate over the nature and future of the United Nations began before its inception in 1945, and is likely to continue far into its second half-century. The purpose of this collection is to examine something generally ignored in the debate, even in the professional literature: what the United Nations actually does. The volume consists of original, authoritative, critical analyses of a sampling of key UN activities.

In addition to their credentials in their own specialties, most contributors have extensive UN experience as staff members, delegates or consultants. Most are international lawyers and the others have a wide variety of backgrounds. They come from 12 countries. Each chapter stands on its own as a significant contribution to our understanding of both the subject and the quiet, undramatic but vital worldwide work of the United Nations. Students, scholars, and other researchers involved with the United Nations and other intergovernmental organizations will find this work of particular interest.

Preface
Introduction by Martin Ira Glassner
International Law
Regulation of the Uses of International Waterways: The Contribution of the United Nations by Lucius Caflisch
The United Nations and International Space Law by Vladimir Kopal
The United Nations and Protection of the Environment by Djamchid Momtaz
Protection of Minorities by Budislav Vukas
International Relations
The United Nations System and International Trade by Sherry M. Stephenson
The United Nations and the Trade and Transit Problems of Land-Locked States by Surya P. Subedi
Taiwan and the United Nations by Hungdah Chiu
Focus on Individuals
International Migration: UN Moves by William B. Wood
A Note on Some UN Achievements with Special Reference to the World Food Programme by D. John Shaw and Sir Hans W. Singer
The United Nations and NGOs: Global Civil Society and Institutional Change by Peter Uvin and Thomas G. Weiss
Prevention and Resolution of Conflict
Contributions of the UN to Solving Boundary and Territorial Disputes 1945-1997 by Victor Prescott
The United Nations, The Oceans and Some Geography by Shabati Rosenne
United Nations Peace-Maintenance by Jarat Chopra
Index