Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The UN Security Council (UNSC) is arguably the most powerful organ of the United Nations, charged with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Established in 1946, its formation was a direct outcome of the failures of the League of Nations to prevent the Second World War. The UNSC’s decisions are binding on all UN member states, making it a crucial player in global geopolitics. Understanding its structure and functions is vital to comprehending the dynamics of international security.
Structure of the UN Security Council
The UNSC comprises 15 members: 5 permanent members – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States – and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly. The permanent members possess the power of veto, meaning any one of them can block a resolution, even if all other members support it.
The presidency of the Council rotates monthly among the non-permanent members, following the English alphabetical order of member states’ names.
Functions of the UN Security Council
- Maintaining International Peace and Security: Investigating disputes, recommending methods of adjustment, and authorizing peacekeeping operations.
- Peacekeeping Operations: Deploying forces to conflict zones to monitor ceasefires, protect civilians, and support peace processes (e.g., UNIFIL in Lebanon).
- Sanctions: Imposing economic or other sanctions on states or individuals to compel compliance with UNSC resolutions (e.g., sanctions against North Korea).
- Authorization of Force: Authorizing military action when peaceful means prove inadequate (e.g., authorization of intervention in Libya in 2011 – Resolution 1973).
The Council also recommends the Secretary-General to the General Assembly and admits new members to the UN.
Conclusion
The UN Security Council remains a central, though often contested, institution in global governance. While its structure, particularly the veto power, has been criticized for hindering effective action, it continues to play a vital role in addressing international security challenges. Reforms to enhance its representativeness and efficiency are frequently debated, but the Council’s fundamental importance in maintaining peace and security is undeniable.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.