The global work of the United Nations is not without reason compared to that of a family - striving for a common goal in concert with all members for a better future.

Globalization is a fact of life. But I believe we have underestimated its fragility.

A world government can intervene militarily in the internal affairs of any nation when it disapproves of their activities.

It's not that easy to quit. When you look back in the American system it is very rare that people quit on issues of principle.

These divisions in the international community - the Syrians bear quite a lot of the blame, but we have enabled it by the divisions between us.

Most governments only want to deploy a peacekeeping force where there is a peace agreement and there is peace to keep. They are very hesitant about putting their men and women in harm's way. It is extremely difficult to get the troops if you do not have the consent of the country where you are deploying.

When you have difficult issues on the table for discussion, then sometimes for Africa you may have Burundi or Gambia representing them on the Security Council; and then for Latin America you may have a country like Costa Rica, which is a wonderful country but they don't have the same weight as others from the other regions. And sometimes they get bullied. Sometimes their capitals come under lots of pressure to take a position.