Legitimacy at the United Nations

5 Pages Posted: 22 Apr 2011

See all articles by Ian Hurd

Ian Hurd

Northwestern University - Department of Political Science

Date Written: April 15, 2011

Abstract

The United Nations is centrally concerned with the politics of legitimacy and legitimation in international affairs. Its authority relies on perceptions of its legitimacy, but many of its structures and decisions are criticized as being illegitimate. The diverse audience and diverse activities of the organization ensure that disagreements about the UN's legitimacy will never be resolved.

Drawing on legal theory and sociology, this essay examines the concept of legitimacy and argues for its relevance to the United Nations and international organizations more generally.

Keywords: United Nations, legitimacy, Security Council

Suggested Citation

Hurd, Ian, Legitimacy at the United Nations (April 15, 2011). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1810742 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1810742

Ian Hurd (Contact Author)

Northwestern University - Department of Political Science ( email )

601 University Place (Scott Hall)
Evanston, IL 60201
United States

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