The absence of a coherent international response to the crises in Gaza and Ukraine has raised questions about what used to be called the international rules-based order. Does it still exist at all, or has the reality of raw military and economic power trumped every other consideration?

Against that backdrop, what role, if any, does the United Nations have to play? And what is Ireland's role within the UN?

On today's podcast Niall McCann, who recently left the United Nations Development Programme after more than a decade working throughout the UN system in positions in Africa, Europe and the Middle East, talks to Hugh about what he found at the UN, why it isn't working and how he thinks it should be reformed.

He also explains why Ireland's standing within the UN is lower than is sometimes suggested.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.