The Role of the United Nations in Dealing with Global Problems

In this article, Professor Jost Delbruck maintains that the United Nations (U.N) has evolved beyond its original conception as merely an international organization designed to facilitate cooperation between its various Member States. As evidence of this transformation, Delbruck offers examples of UN. practice and its impact. In particular, UN. regulation concerning global commons and human rights has encouraged globalization by confirming limitations on States' rights and sovereignty. Further, the UN. practice of involving non-governmental organizations has helped to expand (or globalize) the recognized subjects of international law. According to Delbriuck, the UN. has become a global actor with a meaningful role to play in the process of globalization. It should serve as a forum for the determination of international public interest, promote the participation of nonstate actors, and work to expand and reshape the international legal framework. In this way, the UN. will live up to its new role and provide for the emergence of a new global community.