The Bottom Line

The United Nations in a divided world

The UN’s relief chief says coronavirus has added 100 million people to those in need of humanitarian relief worldwide.

UN Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock talks to host Steve Clemons about the challenges facing the United Nations in a disunited world.

When the UN was created by the “great powers” 75 years ago, it was meant to prevent another world war, and it has largely succeeded in that mission.

But in preventing regional wars and flareups, and securing humanitarian relief for the developing world, the UN faces an uphill battle – especially when governments are less inclined to compromise in international affairs.