The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, established in 1945 and charged with ensuring international peace and security.
Key features:
- 15 total members:
- 5 Permanent members (P5) with veto power:
- United States of America (USA)
- Russia (inherited USSR’s seat)
- China
- United Kingdom (UK)
- France
- 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms
- 5 Permanent members (P5) with veto power:
Powers include:
- Maintaining international peace and security
- Recommending admission of new UN members
- Approving changes to UN Charter
- Imposing international sanctions
- Authorizing military action
- Issuing binding resolutions
Decision-making:
- Procedural matters: 9 votes needed
- Substantive matters: 9 votes including all P5 (veto power)
- Any P5 member can veto resolutions
The Council has faced criticism over its structure, particularly the permanent members’ veto power and calls for reform to better reflect current global power dynamics.