(This is an archived page, from the Patterns of Power Edition 3 book. Current versions are at book contents).
Following the Second World War, in order to prevent further similar occurrences, countries decided to abide by a system of international law (5.3.6), administered by the United Nations (UN) organisation. The UN is primarily a political institution and its scope stretches beyond its legal role. It is the prime mechanism whereby countries cooperate for their own benefit.
The following sub-sections briefly examine the UN (6.6.6.1), the problems in the way in which it operates (6.6.6.2), and some other global institutions that have political power (6.6.6.3).