What is the current track record of the U.N? How good were they at keeping peace and deescalating conflicts?

by tetramir

My question is mostly to draw a comparision to the League of Nation and their lack of effectiveness (big understatement I know).

Has had the UN a strong benefit, and compared to the LoN how solid is it? How capable is it of preventing wars?

EDIT: For a better fit to the sub, restricting the question to before 1997. So I guess mostly the cold war and the aftermath (Yugoslavia...)

Bonus questions: has the UN ever investigated and punished a big power comitting war crimes?

Searocksandtrees

Hi all. Just a reminder of a couple of sub rules

  • No current events: all answers must be confined to events / conditions / policies up to 1997 only

  • No opinion / speculation. All answers must be substantiated. Please include source citations.

OP, if you're looking for answers beyond what is permitted by this sub, you might consider x-posting to /r/geopolitics or other.