The No-Nonsense Guide to the United Nations. Maggie Black

– Books on the United Nations abound but this is the first to distill its entire history into one accessible volume. – Includes the UN creation and early history; how it is structured and whether it is well constituted in its functions; relief, development and law – Particular focus on core questions: How much can it do if its members are unwilling to provide the necessary resources, mechanisms, and mandate? It spends considerable resources on conducting global studies, conferences and reports – what actually does this international outpouring of words achieve? Is it just a vast talking shop? – Course adoption potential: international relations, aid & development