On the 70^th anniversary of its founding, the United Nations remains a potentially important actor in the world. While it has accomplished much as an institution, it has serious limitations and faces significant threats to its future.

The United Nations was established to prevent interstate aggression and wars between the great powers. War has not taken place between the powers since World War II. However, in dealing with a number of security problems — including military aggression — U.S.-Soviet tensions stalemated the institution throughout the Cold War. Nonetheless, during this period the United Nations still managed to improve its capabilities in areas such as peacekeeping, economic development and international mediation.