The United Nations under U Thant, 1961-1971

This text explores a transformational period in the history of the United Nations, one during which the attention of the organization became increasingly focused on North-South issues of colonialism, neo-imperialism, and the unequal distribution of global wealth.
Thant's ten years as secretary-general witnessed a series of new peacekeeping missions in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and the establishment of institutional structures for the discussions of North-South economic issues. But fiscal crisis brought near paralysis; the United States became increasingly alienated from the organization over the existing policies in Vietnam; and the Arab-Israeli War demonstrated the UN's inability to prevent crisis from escalating into war. By the end of Thant's second term, the position of secretary-general was more secure but far weaker than it was ten years before.