Addressing topical issues, such as the war against Iraq in 2003 and terrorism, and presenting provocative arguments, A Crisis of Global Institutions? explores the sources of the challenge to multilateralism – including US pre-eminence, the changing nature of international security, and normative concerns about the way decisions are taken in international organizations. Edward Newman argues that whilst some such challenges are a sign of ‘crisis’, many others are representative of ‘normality’ and continuity in international relations. Nevertheless, it is essential to consider how multilateralism might be more viably constituted to cope with contemporary and future demands.
Edward Newman is Director of Studies on Conflict and Security in the Peace and Governance Programme of the United Nations University.