ABSTRACT
In the 21st century, although significant opportunities exist to strengthen the peacekeeping and peacemaking capacities of the United Nations(UN), spectacular improvements will only be achieved if greater political support and increased financing are forthcoming. In order to understand the potential of the UN in dealing with global security issues it is necessary to analyse the main sources of violent conflicts in the 21st century. Strengthening the political will was at the centre of the debate during the Millennium Summit. Since the end of the Cold War, there have been a number of personalities and special groups that have produced reports and recommendations on how to improve the capacity of the UN to deal with the new sources and forms of conflicts, violence crises, and post-conflict situations. The moral authority of the UN is seriously undermined when its laws or principles are enforced selectively in order to suit the interests of the rich and the powerful countries.
