ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the increasing emphasis placed on rebuilding states as liberal democracies and the ways this is being used to underline the importance of creating an international system of stable, democratic states. It provides an important insight into the role of the United Nations as an international peacekeeper and as an institution which is increasingly shifting its focus to the reconstitution of states in a liberal democratic format. As an organisation the United Nations has been instrumental in the furthering of human rights around the globe, rights such as the right to life, liberty and security of person. It places heavy emphasis on democratisation, good governance and respect for human rights as key indicators for a state's development. The UN has been responsible for promoting ideas which have become directly associated with the spread of liberal democracy; mutual respect for the sovereignty of states, democratisation, and respect for human rights, development, and respect for the rule of law.
