The Gist No Capes, Real Peace: U Thant's UN and What We Lost
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Oct 23, 2025 
Thant Myint-U, a historian and author, is the grandson of U Thant, the third Secretary-General of the UN. He dives deep into U Thant's impactful mediation during crises like the Cuban Missile Crisis and the India-Pakistan War. They discuss the UN's fading influence due to political cynicism and critique the shift from idealism to realpolitik. Thant also reflects on Myanmar’s turbulent history and shares personal revelations from researching his new book, highlighting the tragedy of potential lost in his homeland.
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Childhood Memories At The UN
- Thant Myint-U remembers visiting his grandfather's UN office and meeting Apollo 11 astronauts as a child.
- He also recalls a glowing world map in his grandfather's office that left a lasting impression.
UN Mediation Can Stop Large-Scale Wars
- U Thant personally mediated the 1965 India-Pakistan war and negotiated a ceasefire by gaining trust on both sides.
- He deployed UN observers and used Security Council pressure to stabilize the front and prevent renewed clashes.
Why UN Prestige Eroded
- The UN's prestige declined after the 1960s due to a mix of unmet postcolonial agendas and shifting global politics.
- By the late 70s and 80s the organization had lost power and public enthusiasm, weakening its ability to act.
