Legitimacy at the United Nations
5 Pages Posted: 22 Apr 2011
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
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