New Books Network Richard A. Falk and Hans von Sponeck, "Liberating the United Nations: Realism with Hope" (Stanford UP, 2024)
Jan 22, 2026
Hans von Sponeck, a former UN Assistant Secretary-General with extensive experience in humanitarian coordination, and Richard A. Falk, Professor Emeritus of International Law, dive into the complexities of the UN's role in global governance. They discuss the historical failures stemming from the Yalta consensus and the detrimental effects of geopolitical influences like the veto power. The pair advocate for a revitalized UN that prioritizes human security and emphasizes engaging civil society as a check on powerful states, while critically examining the challenges posed by contemporary nationalism.
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Design Entrenches Great-Power Dominance
- The UN's Security Council design embeds great-power dominance through the veto and permanent seats.
- That structure makes the UN prone to fail on global security despite its universal membership.
Yalta's Promise Quickly Fractured
- The Yalta bargain created the UN but depended on East-West cooperation that quickly unraveled.
- Hans von Sponeck says early Cold War splits turned the UN into a West-centric institution.
Money And Location Create Penholders
- 'Penholder' power flows from financial and geopolitical dominance concentrated in the West.
- Hans von Sponeck ties location, staffing, and funding to who sets UN agendas.
