ABSTRACT
The United Nations (UN) has always drawn the interest of a variety of nonstate actors seeking to influence what happens there. It has always depended on outside experts to supplement the work of the Secretariat, members of the Secretariat are themselves important actors, and the UN increasingly works in partnerships with states and nonstate actors to accomplish its work. Consistent with constructivist views, the UN's professional staff may influence the actions of member states and others because of their expertise and role as important sources of ideas. The discussion of actors in the UN system must consider not only various member states but also coalitions and blocs, the secretary-general, the Secretariat, outside experts, and partnerships. Although small and developing countries gain voice and influence through coalitions and blocs, all member states participate in one or more such groupings.
