UN Security Council and Collective Security

Introduction

The United Nations Security Council is the principal UN organ responsible for maintaining international peace and security. Its authority forms a central part of the UN’s collective security system.

Collective security is based on the idea that threats to international peace should be addressed collectively rather than left entirely to individual states.

Security Council

UN Security Council: The UN organ with primary responsibility for international peace and security.

Permanent Members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Elected Members: Ten states elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms.

Voting

Procedural Matter: A matter decided according to the Security Council’s procedural voting rules.

Substantive Matter: A matter concerning the Council’s substantive decisions and subject to the special voting requirements established by the Charter.

Veto: A negative vote by a permanent member that prevents adoption of a substantive resolution when the required majority is otherwise met.

Abstention: A decision by a Council member not to vote in favour or against a proposal. An abstention by a permanent member does not necessarily prevent adoption of a substantive resolution if the required affirmative votes are obtained.

Security Council Resolutions

Security Council Resolution: A formal decision or recommendation adopted by the Security Council.

Binding Resolution: A decision carrying binding legal obligations where the Charter and the resolution provide for such effect.

Presidential Statement: A formal statement issued by the Council President on behalf of the Security Council with the Council’s agreement.

Chapter VI

Chapter VI of the UN Charter: Provisions concerning the peaceful settlement of disputes.

The Security Council may encourage or recommend methods such as:

• Negotiation
• Mediation
• Conciliation
• Arbitration
• Judicial settlement
• Resort to regional arrangements

Chapter VII

Chapter VII of the UN Charter: Provisions concerning action with respect to threats to the peace, breaches of the peace and acts of aggression.

Threat to the Peace: A situation determined by the Security Council to constitute a threat to international peace.

Breach of the Peace: A situation formally characterized by the Security Council as a breach of the peace.

Act of Aggression: Conduct characterized as aggression under the applicable framework of international law and UN Charter practice.

Collective Security

Collective Security: An international security arrangement in which states agree to respond collectively to threats to peace or breaches of peace.

The underlying principle is that aggression against one state may become a concern for the wider international community.

Collective Defence vs Collective Security

Collective Defence: Security cooperation in which members of a specific alliance agree to assist one another against external attack.

Collective Security: A broader system in which the international community seeks to respond collectively to threats to international peace.

NATO is an example of a collective-defence organization, while the UN Charter provides the principal global framework for collective security.

Security Council Measures

The Security Council may adopt measures including:

Sanctions: Restrictions imposed to influence the conduct of states, organizations or individuals.

Arms Embargo: Restrictions on the supply of weapons or military equipment.

Travel Ban: Restrictions on international travel imposed on designated individuals.

Asset Freeze: Restriction on access to designated financial assets.

Diplomatic Measures: Measures involving diplomatic relations or representation.

Authorization of Force: Authorization for member states or coalitions to use force under specified circumstances and mandates.

Peacekeeping

UN Peacekeeping Operation: A UN-authorized operation deployed to help maintain or support peace.

Peacekeeping Mandate: The authority and responsibilities assigned to a peacekeeping mission.

Blue Helmets: Common term for UN peacekeepers.

Impartiality: The principle that peacekeepers should implement their mandate without favouring parties to a conflict.

Sanctions Committees

Sanctions Committee: A Security Council subsidiary body responsible for overseeing a particular sanctions regime.

Sanctions List: A list of individuals, entities or organizations subject to specified sanctions.

Collective Security Challenges

The collective-security system faces challenges including:

• Veto politics
• Disagreement among major powers
• Selective enforcement
• Institutional limitations
• Resource constraints
• Complex civil conflicts
• Divergent interpretations of international law
• Difficulties in implementation

Use of Force and the UN System

The UN Charter establishes a general prohibition on the threat or use of force while recognizing specific legal frameworks, including:

Self-Defence: The inherent right recognized by the UN Charter in response to an armed attack, subject to the applicable conditions of international law.

Security Council Authorization: Force authorized through the Security Council’s powers under the Charter.

Key Distinctions

Collective Security vs Collective Defence: Collective security is a global system aimed at addressing threats to international peace; collective defence is an alliance-based arrangement for mutual defence.

Chapter VI vs Chapter VII: Chapter VI concerns peaceful settlement of disputes; Chapter VII concerns measures in response to threats to peace, breaches of peace and acts of aggression.

Sanction vs Authorization of Force: Sanctions impose specified restrictions; authorization of force permits specified military action under an applicable mandate.

Permanent vs Non-Permanent Members: Permanent members hold continuing seats and special voting privileges; non-permanent members are elected for fixed terms.

Key Terms at a Glance

Security Council | Permanent Members | Elected Members | Veto | Resolution | Chapter VI | Chapter VII | Threat to the Peace | Breach of the Peace | Act of Aggression | Collective Security | Collective Defence | Sanctions | Arms Embargo | Travel Ban | Asset Freeze | Peacekeeping | Peacekeeping Mandate | Blue Helmets | Sanctions Committee | Self-Defence | Authorization of Force

Related Glossaries

United Nations System | International Security | War and Conflict | Collective Defence | International Law | Sanctions and Economic Statecraft