The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is a principal organ of the United Nations (UN) responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It is composed of fifteen member states, including five permanent members - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States - and ten non-permanent members elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms.
The primary purpose of the UNSC is to address threats to international peace and security and resolve conflicts through peaceful means. To achieve these objectives, it has the authority to impose sanctions, establish peacekeeping missions, and authorize the use of force when necessary. The decisions made by the Security Council are legally binding on all UN member states.
The Security Council holds regular meetings to discuss various international issues, conflicts, and crises. Its decisions are usually made through the adoption of resolutions, which require the affirmative votes of at least nine council members, including the concurring votes of all five permanent members (known as the veto power). The veto power enables any of the five permanent members to block a resolution, potentially creating challenges for obtaining unanimous consensus.
Due to its critical role in maintaining global peace and security, the actions and decisions of the Security Council often receive significant international attention and scrutiny. The UNSC strives to balance the interests and concerns of its member states and is expected to act impartially, objectively, and with the primary goal of preventing or mitigating conflicts and promoting international cooperation.
