Currently two sets of world order are counterposed: the UN system and the “rules based” system, correlating closely with multipolarity and unipolarity, the latter meaning US dominance.

–– Noam Chomsky

The United Nations came into being 80 years ago according to its charter “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war;” “to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights for men and women and of nations large and small;” “to establish conditions under which justice and respect for… international law can be maintained;” and “to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.”

Accordingly, the “three pillars of the UN” are peace and security, human rights and development. In order to assist it in progressing towards these aspirational goals, the UN has a family of 15 specialised agencies plus two organisations of the World Bank group. To realise its charter goals, the UN comprises a General Assembly, a Security Council, an economic and social council, an International Court of Justice and a secretariat.

Despite its vision of enduring peace, justice and development, the UN has to contend with the realities and imperatives of realpolitik. It was established by the main victor of the WWII—the US. The other victors comprised the permanent........

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