The United Nations was founded with the noble goal of promoting world peace and prosperity, but as a collective of governments — including despotisms along with democracies — it has fallen drastically short of those goals. In too many instances, the UN has done more harm than good. While the UN is not likely to close up shop anytime soon, it is important to be aware of its shortcomings and the dangers they pose, and in vital matters seek other avenues for pursuing sound policy.