ABSTRACT
In the contemporary world of the 1990s the UN is an important political force. From time to time its efforts and standing are praised; sometimes they are misunderstood and even held in contempt. In order to appraise the UN’s significance today it is important to take a look at the infant organisation at the time of its foundation half a century ago. This chapter will briefly survey the UN’s purpose, principles and structure as its founders established them. The following chapter will then be able to consider the contemporary position of the UN.
