This book serves as a comprehensive yet concise guide to the political workings of the United Nations system. It details the purposes and structure of the organization, with specific chapters on peace and security, disarmament and human rights. In the final chapter, the problems facing the UN are examined. Tables provide information on the size and distribution of UN membership, peace-keeping operations and the use of the Security Council veto. It includes the full text of the UN Charter. This book will be of interest to students and professors of political science, security studies, international relations and organizations.A Barnes & Noble book. Praise for the Second Edition: 'This primer of United Nations' affairs is a marvel of compression. Mr. Bailey not only knows his subject inside out, but also writes most lucidly and readably.' - THE TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT