Why is the UN useless?

 (Asked on Quora). My answer below.

Useless is a bit harsh as it has had some success on the health and political front. The campaign against polio and the military action in Korea (1950–1953) can be viewed in a positive light. The decision to divide what was left of the British Palestinian mandate (Transjordan - later Jordan - had already been cut off) into a Jewish and Arab state was another good move. It was the best of all possible options at the time.

Unfortunately there are more negatives than positives.

United Nation failures though are largely a consequence of several factors

1. The lack of a common vision. Words mean less than action. Enlightenment and Human right ideals are not shared by many of its member states even if they give lip service to it. It would be better if the UN were a league of democracies and had standards for admission
2. The politically expedient use of Veto politics that weaken security council decisions. This was a common feature during the Cold War Era and continues today.
3. Bloc Voting on Key decisions. This pigeon holes necessary debate,
4. The UN has become a platform for local vendettas that detract from the bigger picture eg. look how its anti-Racism conference in Durban was turned into a hate Israel fest.
5. It is overly bureaucratic. Red tape rules. Too many levels of organization that cut against grassroots initiatives. Ownership of deliverables disappear into the aether
6. The United Nations all too often lacks the teeth to enforce its actions on the ground. When pushed by hostile parties it often backs down.
7. Its Programs are often burdened by corruption eg. oil-for-food funds.
8. Many of its Committees have become parodies of themselves eg. Human rights abusing countries sitting on Human Rights Commissions.