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The U.N. brings everybody together. And without it, we…

“The U.N. brings everybody together. And without it, we can't deal with Ebola or terrorism or climate change. But it's 70 years old. It's tired. It's acquired a lot of bad habits. And often it feels like only new bad habits get added and old bad habits don't get taken away.” quote by Samantha Power
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“The U.N. brings everybody together. And without it, we can't deal with Ebola or terrorism or climate change. But it's 70 years old. It's tired. It's acquired a lot of bad habits. And often it feels like only new bad habits get added and old bad habits don't get taken away.”

Samantha Power

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The UN is essential for global crises but suffers from outdated practices and accumulating problems.

In simple terms: The UN is vital but aging and flawed.

Key Takeaway

Reform the UN to stay effective.

Themes

global governance institutional reform crisis response political fatigue organizational habits

Mood

concerned hopeful

Type

analytical persuasive

When to use this quote

  • pandemic response
  • terrorism prevention
  • climate negotiations
  • peacekeeping
  • humanitarian aid

Key Concepts

multilateralism bureaucracy policy inertia

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can the UN modernize without losing legitimacy?
  • What new habits should replace the old?
A Different Perspective

Reforms are politically difficult and consensus is hard to achieve.

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