The United Nations in the 21st Century - A Global Security Actor or A Failed Political Experiment?

TJI Seminar - Lt-Col Brendan O'Shea (retired)

The UN was established to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war but it is arguable that this experiment has proven to be nothing short of a complete failure. Incapable of reform, and confining its activities to low-risk peacekeeping in the security domain it is equally arguable that the UN is now redundant when it comes to maintaining international peace and security. If this is true then where is the Global Centre of Gravity and how is our world to be governed going forward?

Dr Brendan O'Shea retired from the Irish Defence Forces in January after 41 years service. Throughout that time he has worked with the UN, EU, OSCE and NATO and deployed on peace support operations to Israel, Lebanon, Georgia, Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo, and SHAPE (Belgium). A published author, his multiple publications have focused on the recent conflicts in the Balkans, peacekeeping in the Middle East, and the exploits of the Irish Divisions in the Great War. He lectures nationally and internationally on International Humanitarian Law, International Relations, and Peacekeeping Policy and Practice. He is currently the Education Officer for Ireland with the Western Front Association.

Unfortunately this event has had to be cancelled due to the severe weather in the UK.