Book Reviews
Book Review written by Alexander B. Murphy,
University of Oregon, Professor of Geography and Rippey Chair in Liberal Arts & Sciences
STUDY AND DISCUSSION GUIDE, written by Joseph E. Schwartzberg and Nancy Dunlavy
University of Oregon, Professor of Geography and Rippey Chair in Liberal Arts & Sciences
STUDY AND DISCUSSION GUIDE, written by Joseph E. Schwartzberg and Nancy Dunlavy
Book Summaries
Book Summary written by David C. Oughton, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Theological Studies, St. Louis University
Book Summary written by Nancy J. Dunlavy,
Director, The Workable World Trust
Associate Professor of Theological Studies, St. Louis University
Book Summary written by Nancy J. Dunlavy,
Director, The Workable World Trust
Endorsements
The first four endorsements below are from individuals who have had a major official tie to the United Nations. All subsequent statements are in alphabetical order, according to the surname of the endorser.
“This contribution of Professor Schwartzberg will be an essential reference work for all those who are concerned with the future of a new United Nations.”
Boutros Boutros-Ghali, sixth Secretary-General of the United Nations
"Joseph Schwartzberg's important book aims at guiding the United Nations system into more productive and more workable patterns. His clear exposition and creative thinking will greatly stimulate and encourage those who tackle these formidable tasks."
Sir Brian Urquhart, former Undersecretary-General, United Nations.
“It is a joy and a privilege to read a manuscript by Joseph Schwartzberg, replete with common sense approaches and pragmatic solutions. Anyone who reads him understands how obstacles can be overcome – one by one. United Nations reform is inescapable – not utopian. Indeed, world peace requires reform of global institutions and strengthening of the rule of law, nationally and internationally. A World Parliamentary Assembly with consultative functions would significantly advance this goal by giving greater legitimacy to global decisions through citizen input.”
Alfred M. de Zayas, U.N. Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order, and Professor of International Law, Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations
“This volume lucidly and intelligently presents a sweeping series of new, innovative ideas designed to reform the United Nations’ structure and performance. From weighted voting to the constructive use of regional representation, from new institutions to more effective use of existing ones, readers will find a rich mother lode to change and challenge current thinking. This book is a rare compendium of forward-looking ideas to structure closer world cooperation.”
Thomas Pickering, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and former U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs
"While coping with a changing world, the UN system is constantly changing. Schwartzberg enables readers to creatively develop a preferred vision of the future UN system, and develop policies for achieving this vision.”
Chadwick Alger, Mershon Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Public Policy and former Director of the Mershon Center, Ohio State University
"The United Nations is the central but suboptimal piece of humanity's collective response to our increasing interdependence. Most proposals regarding the reform of the United Nations system are overly concerned about what is feasible, at the expense of what is ideal. Professor Schwartzberg's formidable work corrects that systemic bias, and shuttles between the feasible and the ideal, with elegance and rigor."
Hakan Altinay, Non-resident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution; Global Ethics Fellow, Carnegie Council; President, Global Civics Academy
"Authored by a renowned geographer, this challenging book brims with sensible and attainable proposals to strengthen the effectiveness of the United Nations and to promote international cooperation toward crucial objectives at a critical time."
Harm De Blij, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Geography, Michigan State University; and former editor for ABC's "Good Morning, America" program
“For believers in just governance, progressive democratization of the United Nations system is an essential process. The many innovative proposals put forward in this wonderful book point the way to a better-governed world.”
Johan Galtung, Professor of Peace Studies and founder of Transcend International
“Transforming the United Nations System by Joseph Schwartzberg, with its many well-reasoned and exhaustively documented specific recommendations, is a masterpiece and a necessary resource for anyone interested in a better future for humanity."
Ronald J. Glossop, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
"Whether or not you agree with Prof. Schwartzberg's specific proposals, this is a conscientious and thoughtful attempt to bring a needed dose of objectivity to the highly politicized issue of UN reform. It should be the starting point for anyone seriously interested in the topic."
Hurst Hannum, Professor of International Law, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University
"Joe Schwartzberg is among the few who think creatively against the stream. His book provides a comprehensive United Nations reform agenda and should be studied carefully by those interested in and working towards a revitalized and strengthened UN system."
Klaus Hüfner, Honorary President, World Federation of United Nations Associations
“Building global institutions capable of coping with climate change, financial crises, nuclear proliferation and other global problems has become the central political concern in the 21st century. Professor Schwartzberg’s book is, arguably, the most comprehensive attempt at combining the goal of a global democratic order and the realities of the existing international structure.”
Fernando Iglesias, writer, journalist, Member of Parliament of Mercosur, and Executive Secretary, Democracia Global
“Born of war, the nearly 70-year-old United Nations system lives on despite all the cries against its inadequacies. Joseph Schwartzberg’s book is a refreshing call for retooling the present system of global governance to promote a more secure, dignified and happier world. The volume is a must-read for everyone who is concerned about the future.”
Takashi Inoguchi, President and Chairman of the Board, University of Niigata Prefecture
“This book persuasively demonstrates that the political organization of the world requires a wide range of significant institutional innovations.”
Lucio Levi, Professor of Political Science and Comparative Politics, University of Torino, and editor of The Federalist Debate
“From the preface to the appendices, Joe Schwartzberg has produced one of the most extraordinary books ever written on transforming the United Nations system. The vision, the proposals and breadth of the work are astounding. The maps, graphs and statistics alone are tremendous. And at issue is the survival of civilization.”
William Pace, Executive Director, World Federalist Movement-Institute for Global Policy; Convenor, Coalition for the International Criminal Court
"My students are excited and inspired by Professor Schwartzberg’s carefully crafted strategies for addressing the democratic deficits within the UN. His bold, concrete proposals stimulate in-depth classroom discussions as well as being popular essay topics. His practical, innovative models encourage students to move beyond a preoccupation with problems to focus on sophisticated yet practical solutions. This book should be on the syllabi of all courses on the UN."
Elizabeth Riddell-Dixon, Professor Emerita of Political Science, University of Western Ontario, Canada.
"Joseph Schwartzberg is the preeminent expert on U.N. reform and Transforming the U.N. System is the culmination of his lifetime of research and practical engagement with the issue. Activists and scholars of transnational advocacy will welcome his compelling recommendations for enhancing the involvement and legitimacy of civil society actors in the U.N. system."
Kathryn Sikkink, Regents Professor of Political Science, University of Minnesota; winner of the 2006 Gravemeyer Award for Ideas for Improving World Order
“The product of formidable research, Transforming the United Nations System is a must-read for those who want a knowledgeable analysis of the workings of the United Nations and its potential restructuring. Joe Schwartzberg’s magisterial publication is a great step toward better world government.”
John E. Trent, Fellow, Centre on Governance, University of Ottawa, former Secretary General, International Political Science Association, and author of Modernizing the United Nations System.
“Particularly promising among the many reform proposals in Professor Schwartzberg’s work are his detailed recommendations for a universally representative, veto-free Security Council with objective, formula-based weighted voting.”
Lucy Law Webster, Executive Director, Center for War / Peace Studies
“No one has thought longer or harder than Joe Schwartzberg about the challenges of designing a fairer and better world order. This book is an essential contribution to a long overdue conversation not only about UN reform but, more broadly, about what passes for our current system (or rather non-system) of global governance.”
Thomas G. Weiss, Director, Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies, City University of New York; past President, Academic Council on the United Nations System and of the International Studies Association
“This contribution of Professor Schwartzberg will be an essential reference work for all those who are concerned with the future of a new United Nations.”
Boutros Boutros-Ghali, sixth Secretary-General of the United Nations
"Joseph Schwartzberg's important book aims at guiding the United Nations system into more productive and more workable patterns. His clear exposition and creative thinking will greatly stimulate and encourage those who tackle these formidable tasks."
Sir Brian Urquhart, former Undersecretary-General, United Nations.
“It is a joy and a privilege to read a manuscript by Joseph Schwartzberg, replete with common sense approaches and pragmatic solutions. Anyone who reads him understands how obstacles can be overcome – one by one. United Nations reform is inescapable – not utopian. Indeed, world peace requires reform of global institutions and strengthening of the rule of law, nationally and internationally. A World Parliamentary Assembly with consultative functions would significantly advance this goal by giving greater legitimacy to global decisions through citizen input.”
Alfred M. de Zayas, U.N. Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order, and Professor of International Law, Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations
“This volume lucidly and intelligently presents a sweeping series of new, innovative ideas designed to reform the United Nations’ structure and performance. From weighted voting to the constructive use of regional representation, from new institutions to more effective use of existing ones, readers will find a rich mother lode to change and challenge current thinking. This book is a rare compendium of forward-looking ideas to structure closer world cooperation.”
Thomas Pickering, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and former U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs
"While coping with a changing world, the UN system is constantly changing. Schwartzberg enables readers to creatively develop a preferred vision of the future UN system, and develop policies for achieving this vision.”
Chadwick Alger, Mershon Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Public Policy and former Director of the Mershon Center, Ohio State University
"The United Nations is the central but suboptimal piece of humanity's collective response to our increasing interdependence. Most proposals regarding the reform of the United Nations system are overly concerned about what is feasible, at the expense of what is ideal. Professor Schwartzberg's formidable work corrects that systemic bias, and shuttles between the feasible and the ideal, with elegance and rigor."
Hakan Altinay, Non-resident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution; Global Ethics Fellow, Carnegie Council; President, Global Civics Academy
"Authored by a renowned geographer, this challenging book brims with sensible and attainable proposals to strengthen the effectiveness of the United Nations and to promote international cooperation toward crucial objectives at a critical time."
Harm De Blij, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Geography, Michigan State University; and former editor for ABC's "Good Morning, America" program
“For believers in just governance, progressive democratization of the United Nations system is an essential process. The many innovative proposals put forward in this wonderful book point the way to a better-governed world.”
Johan Galtung, Professor of Peace Studies and founder of Transcend International
“Transforming the United Nations System by Joseph Schwartzberg, with its many well-reasoned and exhaustively documented specific recommendations, is a masterpiece and a necessary resource for anyone interested in a better future for humanity."
Ronald J. Glossop, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
"Whether or not you agree with Prof. Schwartzberg's specific proposals, this is a conscientious and thoughtful attempt to bring a needed dose of objectivity to the highly politicized issue of UN reform. It should be the starting point for anyone seriously interested in the topic."
Hurst Hannum, Professor of International Law, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University
"Joe Schwartzberg is among the few who think creatively against the stream. His book provides a comprehensive United Nations reform agenda and should be studied carefully by those interested in and working towards a revitalized and strengthened UN system."
Klaus Hüfner, Honorary President, World Federation of United Nations Associations
“Building global institutions capable of coping with climate change, financial crises, nuclear proliferation and other global problems has become the central political concern in the 21st century. Professor Schwartzberg’s book is, arguably, the most comprehensive attempt at combining the goal of a global democratic order and the realities of the existing international structure.”
Fernando Iglesias, writer, journalist, Member of Parliament of Mercosur, and Executive Secretary, Democracia Global
“Born of war, the nearly 70-year-old United Nations system lives on despite all the cries against its inadequacies. Joseph Schwartzberg’s book is a refreshing call for retooling the present system of global governance to promote a more secure, dignified and happier world. The volume is a must-read for everyone who is concerned about the future.”
Takashi Inoguchi, President and Chairman of the Board, University of Niigata Prefecture
“This book persuasively demonstrates that the political organization of the world requires a wide range of significant institutional innovations.”
Lucio Levi, Professor of Political Science and Comparative Politics, University of Torino, and editor of The Federalist Debate
“From the preface to the appendices, Joe Schwartzberg has produced one of the most extraordinary books ever written on transforming the United Nations system. The vision, the proposals and breadth of the work are astounding. The maps, graphs and statistics alone are tremendous. And at issue is the survival of civilization.”
William Pace, Executive Director, World Federalist Movement-Institute for Global Policy; Convenor, Coalition for the International Criminal Court
"My students are excited and inspired by Professor Schwartzberg’s carefully crafted strategies for addressing the democratic deficits within the UN. His bold, concrete proposals stimulate in-depth classroom discussions as well as being popular essay topics. His practical, innovative models encourage students to move beyond a preoccupation with problems to focus on sophisticated yet practical solutions. This book should be on the syllabi of all courses on the UN."
Elizabeth Riddell-Dixon, Professor Emerita of Political Science, University of Western Ontario, Canada.
"Joseph Schwartzberg is the preeminent expert on U.N. reform and Transforming the U.N. System is the culmination of his lifetime of research and practical engagement with the issue. Activists and scholars of transnational advocacy will welcome his compelling recommendations for enhancing the involvement and legitimacy of civil society actors in the U.N. system."
Kathryn Sikkink, Regents Professor of Political Science, University of Minnesota; winner of the 2006 Gravemeyer Award for Ideas for Improving World Order
“The product of formidable research, Transforming the United Nations System is a must-read for those who want a knowledgeable analysis of the workings of the United Nations and its potential restructuring. Joe Schwartzberg’s magisterial publication is a great step toward better world government.”
John E. Trent, Fellow, Centre on Governance, University of Ottawa, former Secretary General, International Political Science Association, and author of Modernizing the United Nations System.
“Particularly promising among the many reform proposals in Professor Schwartzberg’s work are his detailed recommendations for a universally representative, veto-free Security Council with objective, formula-based weighted voting.”
Lucy Law Webster, Executive Director, Center for War / Peace Studies
“No one has thought longer or harder than Joe Schwartzberg about the challenges of designing a fairer and better world order. This book is an essential contribution to a long overdue conversation not only about UN reform but, more broadly, about what passes for our current system (or rather non-system) of global governance.”
Thomas G. Weiss, Director, Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies, City University of New York; past President, Academic Council on the United Nations System and of the International Studies Association