The United Nations in the Face of the Challenges of the 21st Century. DOI: http://dx.doi.org.10.18847/1.22.2

Abstract

The article explores the current crisis of legitimacy, effectiveness and funding affecting the United Nations within the new multipolar world order of the twenty first century, shaped by protracted wars, regional conflicts and the rise of revisionist powers. It examines the deadlock of the Security Council caused by cross vetoes, the growing political irrelevance of the Secretary General and the Secretariat, and the marginalization of the organization by major powers in crisis management and humanitarian action. In light of substantial US budget cuts and the lack of willingness by other states to fill the gap, the text questions whether the UN can survive without a far reaching reform of its main bodies and core mandate.