Literature on the UN is as wide-ranging as the organisation's remit; there exists a multitude of books, articles and reports on its various programmes and activities. The very breadth of literature about the organisation can make it hard to navigate and understand.

The format of this Major Work is ideally suited to a serious treatment of the United Nations that can clarify and illuminate its structures and role, and make it accessible to scholars and practitioners. The generous eight-volume format, containing the best cross-disciplinary articles from around the world, provides an opportunity to present a comparative and holistic analysis of the organisation.

Framed by a contextualising introductory chapter, this major work will allow for the interconnections between the UN's humanitarian, developmental, environmental and peace and security work to be more deeply explored and elaborated upon.

Volume 1: Origins and Evolution
Volume 2: Machinery
Volume 3: Roles and Relationships
Volume 4: A UN for the 21st Century
Volume 5: Conflict and Crisis
Volume 6: Rights, Justice and Protection
Volume 7: Poverty and Development
Volume 8: Environment and Sustainability