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The United Nations (UN) is the world's most important institution of global governance. Founded in 1945 in the aftermath of the Second World War, it represents the most ambitious attempt in human history to create a framework for international cooperation and collective security. Understanding the UN's structure, functions, achievements, and limitations is essential for evaluating whether global governance is effective.
Key Definition: Global governance refers to the complex of formal and informal institutions, mechanisms, relationships, and processes through which collective interests on a global scale are articulated, rights and obligations are established, and differences are mediated. It does not imply a "world government" but rather a web of cooperation and regulation.
The UN was established on 24 October 1945 by 51 founding member states. Its creation was driven by the determination to prevent a third world war after the catastrophic failures of the League of Nations (established 1920, dissolved 1946).
The UN Charter sets out four key purposes:
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