The United Nations Security Council operates in a world without a global sovereign, yet it wields significant authority. This book investigates how the Security Council establishes and maintains its legitimacy and power in the absence of a higher enforcement mechanism. Ian Hurd examines the historical context, legal frameworks, and political dynamics that allow the Council to function effectively, drawing on case studies and theoretical analysis to explain its enduring influence.

This book is regarded as a significant contribution to the study of international organizations and the United Nations. Scholars have noted its rigorous analysis of the Security Council's legitimacy and its ability to explain the Council's persistent authority in a complex international system. The work is frequently cited for its clear articulation of the theoretical underpinnings of international power and its detailed historical account.