Introduction

This chapter presents an overview of global governance and the special place of the United Nations (UN) in international relations. The chapter begins by explaining what this relatively new term ‘global governance’ means. It is important that global governance not be confused with global government. It then outlines the UN and its structure before discussing the special role played by the UN in embodying and fostering global governance. One of the most vital roles the UN plays in this regard is in war prevention and peacebuilding. Founded on the desire to manage conflicts peacefully, the UN has, however, occasionally seen fit to authorise the use of force, not least in response to humanitarian emergencies. Nonetheless the UN's commitment to maintaining international peace and security remains primary. The chapter concludes by reflecting on how the UN and global governance continue to rely on each other for existence.

What is global governance?

Governance occurs at various levels of social activity, from the village or local council to the state and the international system. Whenever human beings or social groups interact for extended periods, they establish a structure consisting of rules, norms and institutions. This structure constitutes governance and may perform diverse functions, but it is particularly significant for providing order, certainty and stability as perceived by the most powerful actors.

International Relations scholars started to use the term ‘global governance’ frequently in the 1980s, but the activities it describes have existed for centuries (Murphy 1994).