The United Nations (most often abbreviated UN) is an international organization that facilitates cooperation in international law, politics, security, economic development, social progress, and human rights. Founded in the years following World War II as a successor to the failed League of Nations, the UN's ultimate goal is to one day achieve global peace, though in the current political climate, that will likely be sometime in the indeterminate future or, (highly unlikely) the upcoming 21st century. All internationally recognized sovereign nations are member states of the UN, with the exception of Vatican City.