An Assessment of the United Nations Security Council in Maintenance of International Peace and Security

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to assess the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) role in maintenance of International Peace and Security. Specifically the study sought to examine the rationale of the veto power model in changing world politics and the limitations associated with the same. The central argument of the study is that whereas there are challenges inherent in the UNSC, it has to a large extent played a critical role in maintenance of international peace and security. Secondly, whereas there is continued criticism leveled against the council in regards to its efficiency in maintenance of international peace and security, the international system under which the UNSC operate is characterized by its own challenges especially independent states and thus the UNSC is a medium that only moderates behavior of states but cannot at all times operate flawlessly. The study concludes that whereas there have been challenges in some cases, the UNSC has to a large extent executed its mandate in maintenance of international peace and security and thus the argument that it is completely irrelevant does not hold. However it is correct to point out that national interests of the P5 remains a challenge to the efficiency of the council and thus continued efforts at making the council more effective are necessary.