unless that evaluation takes place within the dynamics of international life. 121. We are all aware of the principal reasons for the collapse of the original concept of international political cooperation: ‘on the one hand, the ideological exacerba- tion of the debate between the Powers and, on the other, the lack of parallel progress in disarmament and in the institutionalization of collective security-the two funda- mental pillars of the thorough fulfnment of the task assigned to the Security Council by the Charter. Of course, the concept of collective security is very different from the balance of terror in which we now live. The challenge facing us is this: we must in the meantime devise machin- ery that will make possible the establishment of collective security within secure and permanent terms of reference. 122. In order to breathe new life into the Security Coun- ‘cil there’ would first have to be a renewed assertion of the general concept of international authority, as has been pointed out in his latest report on the work of the Organi- zation by the Secretary-General-whose presence and work in the Organization are a source of pride for my country. The existing international instruments would per- haps suffice if there were a genuine political will to co- operate, particularly on the part of the five permanent members of the Council; but such political will proves to be elusive because of historical circumstances that are quite obvious and that lead us to the only possible collec- tive consensus: the discouragement we now .feel. ‘123. We can see, therefore, on the one hand, that the principal organs of the United Nations are gravely bogged down, as illustrated by the rhetorical inflation of the Gen- eral Assembly and the compulsive inhibition-which is not the same thing as prudence-with- which the Security 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be discussing the challenges and limitations of international cooperation, specifically in the context of the United Nations Security Council. The author highlights the historical and ideological factors that have led to the stagnation of international political cooperation, and emphasizes the need for a renewed assertion of international authority and collective security. The text does not mention specific economic, environmental, or social issues, but rather focuses on the broader institutional and political framework of international relations.

**Category**
International relations