This volume addresses the central theme of adjusting the United Nations
system in light of, firstly, the broadening definition of security,
secondly, a perceived shift from modernity to post-modernity; and
finally, the contemporary debate about reform, adaptation and
institutional learning in multilateral institutions during transnational
periods. The UN has not been successful in learning appropriate lessons
that could facilitate requisite changes to its structure and operations.
Thus the authors in this study focus on the lessons learned from the
organizations' recent performance in collective security, preventative
diplomacy, preventative deployment, peacekeeping, peacemaking, peace
maintenance, and international legal, environmental and trade
regulation.