A love-hate affair: the United Nations and the United States have long been ambivalent about each other. But as the UN marks its 60th anniversary, the relationship is more complicated than ever.

• Author: Schneider, Daniel B.
• Position: Cover Story

BACKGROUND

In 1919, the League of Nations was created to promote international cooperation following World War I, but the U.S. never became a member. After it faired to prevent World War II, the League was replaced by the United Nations. In 1945, 50 nations sent envoys to San Francisco to draw up the UN Charter.

DEBATE TOPIC

* Critics of the United Nations cite inefficiency, disagreements between members, and corruption as evidence that the organization is fundamentally unworkable. Are examples Like this unique to the UN? Remind students that members of Congress, who are all Americans, often lock horns over critical economic, social, and foreign policy issues.

WRITING PROMPTS

* Ask students to write a five-paragraph essay in which they explain why they believe the United States should--or should not--remain a member of the United Nations.

* Have students write an essay comparing the UN's failures with its achievements. Ask them to give their conclusion whether failures outweigh achievements, or vice versa.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

* Why do you think only 30 percent of Americans say they trust the UN? What recent events may have eroded U.S. support?

* How many students believe the UN is a form of world government? Explain that there is no such thing; the UN is a group of nations whose power is granted to it by its members.

* What are the advantages versus the drawbacks of Ambassador Bolton's skepticism of the UN? Do students think his approach will Lead to reform or further tension?

CRITICAL THINKING

* The article says some Americans think the UN threatens U.S. independence and security, especially since Sept. 11.

* How have Americans' concerns changed since 9/11, and how does this affect our relations with the UN?

FAST FACT

* World military expenditures--about $800 billion a year--would pay for the entire UN system for more than 65 years.

WEB WATCH

Compare UN expenditures with the budgets of American cities and states at www.un.org/geninfo/ir/ ch5/ch5_txt.htm Key dates in UN history are at www. un.org/Overview/milesto4.

Last spring, President Bush nominated John R. Bolton to be the new U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. What should have been a simple Senate confirmation process exploded into controversy because Bolton, known for being outspoken and blunt, is famous for being critical, even mocking, of the UN.

"The Secretariat Building in New York has 38 stories," Bolton said in 1994 of the UN headquarters. "If you lost 10 stories today, it...