UNSC

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations. It is the main intergovernmental body with responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. The Council can establish peacekeeping operations, impose sanctions, authorize the use of force, and create tribunals or commissions to address threats to international security.

Composition and membership: The UNSC has 15 members. Five are permanent: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China. These permanent members hold veto power on substantive resolutions. The remaining ten are non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms, with seats allocated by regional groups.

Powers and decision-making: Substantive resolutions require nine votes in favor and no veto by any permanent member. Procedural matters are generally decided by a majority and are not subject to the permanent members’ veto. The Council’s decisions are binding on all UN member states, and it can authorize actions ranging from sanctions to military intervention under the UN Charter.

Operations and procedures: The UNSC meets regularly in New York, with the ability to convene on short notice during emergencies. It oversees peacekeeping missions, sanctions regimes, and special envoy appointments. Peacekeeping and enforcement actions often involve cooperation with member states, regional organizations, and the host country, and may be conducted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

Criticism and reform: The veto power of the P5, perceived asymmetries in representation, and questions about accountability are common subjects of reform discussions. Debates focus on expanding membership, altering veto rules, and improving efficiency and legitimacy while preserving the Council’s central role in global security.