A concise, crystal clear, superbly informed explanation of how the United Nations works
and why it matters.
Michael Byers, Canada Research Chair in Global Politics and International Law, University of British Columbia A wonderful short book for nonspecialists doing research on the UN. Clear disposition and enlightening questions lead from mere description of the institutions to important proposals for innovations. At the end of the book the nine popular proposals to transform the UN and the four steps for how we can help to bring about workable global institutions are unique in their originality.
Klaus von Beyme, emeritus professor of political science, University of Heidelberg; past president, International Political Science Association Politicians, pundits, and publics are moving inward and building walls whereas addressing global threats requires moving outward and breaking down barriers. More than ever, multilateralism is essential for problem-solving, and more than ever we need a fitter-for-purpose United Nations. Trent and Schnurr provide a persuasive and user-friendly introduction for a new a new generation of change-makers.
Thomas G. Weiss, Presidential Professor of Political Science, The CUNY Graduate Center, Past President International Studies Association More than a simple forum or arena for confrontation of opposing interests, the United Nations must become an instrument for world governance. This excellent book, from Trent and Schnurr, goes a long way to push forward this idea.
Modesto Seara-Vazquez, Professor of International Organization, and Rector Oaxaca State University System, Mexico The United Nations remains an essential global institution for advancing the values and practices of cooperation, development, and human rights, but it also needs reform; and especially it needs realistic proposals that give a way forward while still retaining and promoting the ideals of the Charter. This new volume places the UN in historical and contemporary perspective, identifies its critical strengths, challenges, and flaws in a balanced analysis, and suggests clear and constructive arguments and ideas for the changes that are needed.
Alistair Edgar, Professor of Political Science, Wilfrid Laurier University, Executive Director, Academic Council on the United Nations System. The UN is being put to the test in today's jumbled and fractious global system. There is a foreboding over the growing trend among many member states including three of the permanent members of the Security Council towards anti - internationalist sentiments and the undermining of norms of global cooperation. As the title of this book signals, it is time for a UN Renaissance. This will only happen if there emerges a coalition of key member states, civil society groups, international institutions and good advocacy in the media and from the academic world. This book makes clear why this is such an important cause for our time. And its focus on mobilizing young people to the cause is a worthy recommendation.
Lloyd Axworthy, Past President, University of Winnipeg, former Foreign Minister of Canada Global issues require well- functioning global institutions. The United Nations and it's agencies are critical global players that are needed more than ever given the increasingly interconnected world. The UN is vital in helping to create and support the right operating environment so that the Red Cross and Red Crescent and other organizations are able to fulfill their humanitarian mandates. Trent and Schnurr have written a concise and readable publication that should be read by young people the world over. It is hoped future generations would be encouraged to join the ranks in helping to rejuvenate an essential institution.
George Weber, Secretary-General Emeritus, International Red Cross and Red Crescent Federation; CEO Royal Ottawa Hospital