In a world threatened by wars, nuclear proliferation and catastrophic climate change, the five veto-wielding permanent members are being challenged by emerging powers demanding a seat at the top table.

Over the years, the UN has grown and changed in scope considerably.

From its original remit of preventing the world superpowers from unleashing nuclear war on each other, it has developed new doctrines aimed at protection and humanitarian intervention.

We look at what is being done to reform an organisation that many observers deem outdated and others almost obsolete.

A series of short films chart the history of the Security Council, beginning with its emergence from the ashes of the Second World War to its present state.

From the heart of the UN in New York during the general assembly, Marwan Bishara looks at whether the Security Council can live up to its utopian ideals with a new US administration willing to play ball, or whether it is being superseded by other global institutions.

Empire can be seen from Wednesday, September 30, at the following times GMT: Wednesday: 1900; Thursday: 0600, 1400; Friday: 0300.