Dag Hammarskjöld as Leader: A Problem of Definition

The Secretary-Generalship of the United Nations is a unique post. While enjoying none of the actual powers of a great national leader, the Secretary-General, by virtue of his position and prestige, has unrivalled possibilities for constructive and conciliatory action in the world, and in times of crisis he also has an ultimate, though vaguely defined, responsibility for maintaining the peace. Of all important public positions, his is perhaps the one in which spiritual strength, integrity, and courage are most essential to effective performance, for without them the office, lacking the normal trappings and supports of power, is an empty shell of high-sounding principles and good but unfulfilled intentions.