United Nations

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United Nations (UN), international organization established immediately after World War II. It replaced the League of Nations. In 1945, when the UN was founded, there were 51 members; 193 nations are now members of the organization (see table entitled United Nations Members).

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Diminished UN Influence and Its Uncertain Revival
• Effects of a Growing Membership
• Expanding Role of the Secretary-General
• Growing Activity of the Assembly
• Original Vision and Cold War Realities
• Origins
• The Security Council
• The General Assembly
• The Secretariat and the Secretary-General
• Organization and Principles
• Bibliography

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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