This short introduction to the United Nations analyzes the organization as itis today, and how it can be transformed to respond to its critics. Combiningessential information about its history and workings with practical proposalsof how it can be strengthened, Trent and Schnurr examine what needs to bedone, and also how we can actually move toward the required reforms. Thisbook is written for a new generation of change-makers — a generation seekingbetter institutions that reflect the realities of the 21st century and that can actcollectively in the interest of all.

Prof. John Trent, Fellow of the Centre on Governanceat the University of Ottawa, Canada, formerly professorand chair of the University's Department of PoliticalScience and Secretary General of the InternationalPolitical Science Association for more than a decade. Laura Schnurr works on social innovation with the J.W. McConnell Foundation, completed an MA in GlobalStudies at the University of Freiburg, and runs a socialenterprise operating in Canada and Uganda.