Madeleine K. Albright

About the author: Madeleine K. Albright is U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

The United States must be able to act alone if its security is threatened. However, joint peacekeeping operations through the United Nations cost less, involve fewer American troops, and appear more politically legitimate than unilateral military action. The war with Iraq is an example of how effective joint operations can be, and the United States should continue to participate in such efforts. The United States must oppose those who argue that U.N. peacekeeping is too expensive or too dangerous.

The United States needs a UN that helps address international problems before they grow and endanger our security and economic wellbeing. American support for, and occasional participation in, United...