For the first time in history, the world consists of theoretically equal sovereign states, most of which belong to one world organization, the United Nations, and subscribe to a single set of principles, those of its Charter. Yet the U.N. has conspicuously failed to solve problems of armaments, war, division, inequality, and dictatorship. In this authoritative assessment, distinguished academics and senior U.N. officials--including the Secretary-General--appraise the U.N.'s role in international relations since 1945.