The textbook that has become a standard work introduces the central areas of activity of the United Nations, evaluates their reform perspectives, and discusses the role of the world organization in international politics. In its fifth edition, it has been completely revised. Contents include: The United Nations between aspiration and reality, the instruments in the field of peacekeeping, the instruments in the field of human rights protection, the instruments in the areas of economy, development, and environment, reform and reorientation of the United Nations.