"This Handbook is extraordinarily ambitious and very timely, provididng the most comprehensive assessment available anywhere of the UN's performance in an increasingly challenging global environment, and featuring an outstanding cast of authors. It will be an indispensable reference guide for scholars and practitioners alike"--Professor John G. Ruggie, Harvard University, Former UN Assistant Secretary-General "The Oxford Handbook on the United Nations provides the essential overview of the UN under its Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon. Timely and authoritative, the book provides a well-judged balance of analysis, critique, and prescription at a crucial time for the world organization."--Mary Robinson, President, Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative, Former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights "Given the constant pressure of events within the United Nations, and rapid developments in all the fields that it touches, it is very useful to have a study that stands back and reflects on the challenges for the UN as the new Secretary-General takes office. The Oxford Handbook on the United Nations is clearly a scholarly and important work. The editors of this volume have sought contributors of the highest quality to comment on the track record of the Organization and to make recommendations for the future. The Handbook will surely be of interest to all those who know-- or think they know--the United Nations"--Judge Rosalyn Higgins, President of the International Court of Justice