The quote "Hence it follows that mankind lives best under a single government, and therefore that such a government is necessary for the well being of the world." Are basically the ideals that led to the establishment of the United Nations (UN) and its former organization the League of Nations. However the UN's role in world affairs must remain democratic and hold a universal mentality. This principle, people argue, seems to limit the United Nations in their role as the keeper of peace, while others believe that in many cases the UN lacks universality and holds a western view of democracy. It is outdated, unable to keep up with the ever-changing world. However the questions must be asked: Would the world have been better off without the United Nations? And what is to be the role of the United Nations in world politics in the future, if any?

The UN was set up at the end of World War Two as the world leaders tried to prevent the tragedy of war from occurring again. Previously, an organisation called the League of Nations had existed, however, it had fallen apart due to disagreements among the member nations as to its true purpose, its inability to enforce its

decisions and the fact that powerful nations such as the United States of America, Germany, and Japan. (It has been noted that a great factor in the failure of the League of Nations was the 'winners' of the First World War founded it.) Many believe the failure of the League of Nations was one of the reasons why World War Two had occurred. The states realised that one major factor contributing to war is the lack of communication and cooperation between countries and their leaders. So it was decided to set up organisation so that nations could meet, talk and work out their problems to avoid disputes in the future. Thus UN was brought into existence as a forum for discussion for member states all around the world. The representatives of 51 countries at the UN conference drew up the UN charter on International Orginsation, which met from 25th April to 26th June 1945 . The charter 'mapped out' the rules, and that the UN hopes to achieve, the same charter is used today, guiding a much larger forum of 185 member nations.

As mentioned, faced with weaknesses the UN's future is uncertain. However the UN does not claim to be an organisation without change. UN reform will be the device that will allow the UN to continue, it has shown a great capacity for development. For example the GA had taken a great deal of responsibility from the SC, making resolutions easier to pass without the veto power. Also the International Court of Justice should become more active in settling disputes of international law and conflict, taking the pressure of other organizations of the UN.

Referring back to the original questions: It is clear that the world has been better off with the United Nation. Although reform may be necessary, its role is not outdated, and its position in world politics relatively strong. The UN does have a future in governing the international arena, however it must become more dominant in important issues and show that even more today that it is a body that warrants respect and through respect nations will benefit.

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Approximate Word count = 1623
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)