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In December 2007, the U.N. General Assembly broke with a 20-year tradition of adopting budgetary decisions only by consensus by approving the 2008-2009 regular budget over a U.S. objection.

Delivered October 16, 2007 The title of this lecture is an interesting starting point for a discussion. I think the answer differs depending on who you ask. My answer would be that no one "leads" the U.N. Certainly, the Secretary-Gen­eral does not lead the organization. Not even former Secretary-General Kofi Annan--described as a "secu­lar pope" and the "conscience of the world" by his admirers--was able to force the organization in a direction it was unwilling to go. Current Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon is unlikely to be more success­ful than Annan.

The unprecedented pace, scope, and ambition of U.N. peacekeeping operations have led to numerous serious flaws, limitations, and weaknesses that need to be addressed. Peacekeeping assessmentsshould be revised to spread the financial burden more equitablyamong U.N. member states. Without fundamental reform, theseproblems will likely continue and expand, undermining the U.N.'scredibility and ability to maintain international peace andsecurity.