Substantially updated for its third edition, this book provides a concise account of the principles and norms of international law applicable to inter-governmental organisations, with a focus on the UN and its associated bodies.

The third edition of this long-running Melland Schill textbook provides an accessible, up-to-date account of the principles and norms of international law as they apply to the main type of international body: the inter-governmental organisation (IGO).

Concentrating on the United Nations as the paradigmatic IGO, Nigel D. White provides an account of the development of the organisation from its inception in 1945. In early chapters he discusses concepts shaped in the initial years of the UN, such as personality, powers and membership. He then goes on to consider how the legal framework has been expanded as the UN has moved into new areas, for instance in developing a range of targeted sanctions against non-state actors.

Each chapter contains a number of case studies including extended analyses of non-forcible and forcible measures taken by organisations. The exercise of those powers is exposed and analysed in terms of their legality under the constituent treaty and under international laws (thereby necessitating a debate as to whether the UN is bound by international law). Finally, White considers the responsibility and accountability of the UN and similar IGOs for breaches of international law.

Substantially revised from the previous edition, with a more cohesive and narrative-driven structure, this book is an essential resource for teachers and students of international organisations.

This book provides a concise account of the principles and norms of international law applicable to the main-type of international organisation - the inter-governmental organisation (IGO). That law consists of principles and rules found in the founding documents of IGOs along with applicable principles and rules of international law. The book also identifies and analyses the law produced by IGOs, applied by them and, occasionally, enforced by them. There is a concentration upon the United Nations, as the paradigmatic IGO, not only upon the UN organisation headquartered in New York, but on other IGOs in the UN system (the specialised agencies such as the World Health Organisation).