The Foreign Desk Eighty years on, is the United Nations a relevant institution?
15 snips
Oct 25, 2025 
Join historian Tant Mienth-Hoo, Major General Patrick Kamert, legal expert Mona Ali Khalil, and diplomat John Bolton as they dissect the evolving role of the United Nations. Mienth-Hoo reveals how decolonization reshaped the UN, while Kamert reflects on peacekeeping successes and failures. Khalil discusses the need for Security Council reform and the significance of collective action. Bolton, known for his critiques, argues for major reforms and refocusing the UN on core peace and security tasks, amidst skepticism about its current effectiveness.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
UNTAC: A Rewarding Peacekeeping Baptism
- Major General Patrick Kamert recalls his first UN deployment as battalion commander in UNTAC, Cambodia.
- He found tangible reward in helping Cambodia hold free elections and stabilize post-conflict life.
Political Will Makes Or Breaks Missions
- Peacekeeping succeeds when troop contributors back a clear political process and mandate.
- Bosnia and Rwanda failed largely from absent political will and weak mandates.
Impartiality Versus Neutrality In The Field
- Impartiality differs from neutrality: peacekeepers can act as referees enforcing mandates.
- Kamert credits robust rules of engagement and secretariat support for successes in Congo.
