United Nations University, 2013
The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations University.
United Nations University Press
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Cover design by Ian Youngs
Cover photograph by UN Photo/JC McIlwaine
Cover map by Philip Schwartzberg, Meridian Mapping, Minneapolis, MN
Printed in the United States of America for the Americas and Asia
Printed in the United Kingdom for Europe, Africa and the Middle East
ISBN 978-92-808-1230-5
e-ISBN 978-92-808-7199-9
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Schwartzberg, Joseph E.
Transforming the United Nations system : designs for a workable world / Joseph E. Schwartzberg.
pages cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-9280812305 (pbk.)ISBN 978-9280871999 (e-ISBN)
1. United NationsReorganization. 2. United NationsManagement. 3. International organization. I. Title.
JZ4984.5.S384 2013
352.3672113dc23 | 2013030110 |
Endorsements
The first four endorsements below are from individuals who have had a major official tie to the United Nations. All subsequent statements are in alphabetical order, according to the surname of the endorser.
This contribution of Professor Schwartzberg will be an essential reference work for all those who are concerned with the future of a new United Nations.
Boutros Boutros-Ghali , sixth Secretary-General of the United Nations
Joseph Schwartzbergs important book aims at guiding the United Nations system into more productive and more workable patterns. His clear exposition and creative thinking will greatly stimulate and encourage those who tackle these formidable tasks.
Brian Urquhart , former Under-Secretary-General, United Nations
It is a joy and a privilege to read a manuscript by Joseph Schwartzberg, replete with common sense approaches and pragmatic solutions. Anyone who reads him understands how obstacles can be overcome one by one. United Nations reform is inescapable not utopian. Indeed, world peace requires reform of global institutions and strengthening of the rule of law, nationally and internationally. A World Parliamentary Assembly with consultative functions would significantly advance this goal by giving greater legitimacy to global decisions through citizen input.
Alfred M. de Zayas , United Nations Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order, and Professor of International Law, Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations
This volume lucidly and intelligently presents a sweeping series of new, innovative ideas designed to reform the United Nations structure and performance. From weighted voting to the constructive use of regional representation, from new institutions to more effective use of existing ones, readers will find a rich mother lode to change and challenge current thinking. This book is a rare compendium of forward-looking ideas to structure closer world cooperation.
Thomas R. Pickering , former US Ambassador to the United Nations and former US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs
While coping with a changing world, the United Nations system is constantly changing. Schwartzberg enables readers to creatively develop a preferred vision of the future United Nations system, and develop policies for achieving this vision.
Chadwick Alger , Mershon Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Public Policy and former Director of the Mershon Center, Ohio State University
The United Nations is the central but suboptimal piece of humanitys collective response to our increasing interdependence. Most proposals regarding the reform of the United Nations system are overly concerned about what is feasible, at the expense of what is ideal. Professor Schwartzbergs formidable work corrects that systemic bias, and shuttles between the feasible and the ideal, with elegance and rigor.
Hakan Altinay , Nonresident Senior Fellow of the Brookings Institution, Global Ethics Fellow of the Carnegie Council and President of the Global Civics Academy
Authored by a renowned geographer, this challenging book brims with sensible and attainable proposals to strengthen the effectiveness of the United Nations and to promote international cooperation toward crucial objectives at a critical time.
Harm de Blij , Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Geography, Michigan State University, and former editor for ABCs Good Morning America television programme
For believers in just governance, progressive democratization of the United Nations system is an essential process. The many innovative proposals put forward in this wonderful book point the way to a better-governed world.
Johan Galtung , Professor of Peace Studies and founder of Transcend International
Transforming the United Nations System by Joseph Schwartzberg, with its many well-reasoned and exhaustively documented specific recommendations, is a masterpiece and a necessary resource for anyone interested in a better future for humanity.
Ronald J. Glossop , Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Whether or not you agree with Professor Schwartzbergs specific proposals, this is a conscientious and thoughtful attempt to bring a needed dose of objectivity to the highly politicized issue of United Nations reform. It should be the starting point for anyone seriously interested in the topic.
Hurst Hannum , Professor of International Law, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University
Joe Schwartzberg is among the few who think creatively against the stream. His book provides a comprehensive United Nations reform agenda and should be studied carefully by those interested in and working towards a revitalized and strengthened United Nations system.